What is the true reason for blood shortages in this world?

I have often highlighted that while I agree paying donors might encourage some with high-risk behaviors to lie and endanger blood recipients, a way should be found to share some of the huge profits with those who volunteer to give their blood.

What many donors don’t know: Their blood is sold

Of course, that shouldn’t keep people from helping people… right?

RIGHT?

Well, it might.

Combine this with harassing O negative donors on the phone to come in and donate when they have already been doing so (eliminating much of the high-risk behavior danger) for ages, I can understand that many are dropping out recognizing their own priorities rather than the needs of others being met by middle men.

The Business of Blood

Anti-D donors in Australia are motivated by multiple factors, including knowing who the recipient is, and dedicated staff are integral to building donors’ commitment through education and support. Findings suggest the current approach to recruitment could be broadened to include all donors who meet formal selection criteria, with retention enhanced by reinforcing and rewarding the motives identified by donors for donating.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/vox.13242