Humanizing Healthcare is a webinar and podcast program dedicated to sharing insights and best practices to make healthcare more human and fulfilling for all. With healthcare innovators and thought-leaders, we discuss how to better support everyone in the healthcare ecosystem: clinicians, patients, families, and the broader care team, to deliver experiences and outcomes that inspire lasting relationships. Powered by Fidelum Health and Planetree!
Humanizing Healthcare is dedicated to sharing insights and best practices to make healthcare more human and fulfilling for all. With healthcare innovators and thought-leaders, we discuss how to better support everyone in the healthcare ecosystem: clinicians, patients, families, and the broader care team, to deliver experiences and outcomes that inspire lasting relationships.
What motivates blood donors to give part of themselves for nothing in return, and what can they teach us about human connection and empathy?
In this episode,Adrian David, EVP & COO of New York Blood Center, joins us to discuss how they deliver donor experiences that save lives every day.
Adrian brings an impressive blend of pharmaceutical experience and strategic insight to one of the country’s largest blood operations. He shares how the center collects over a million blood products annually, operates in 17 states, and prioritizes donor engagement through emotional resonance, empathy, and cutting-edge innovation.
You’ll hear how they’re solving the post-pandemic donor shortage, especially among youth, and introducing portable donation pods that transform blood drives into sleek, comfortable, and tech-friendly experiences.
Adrian also sheds light on what truly motivates donors, from altruism to peer influence, and how frontline staff are trained to make every donation personal and meaningful.
Tune in to learn how human-first design can transform even the most clinical experiences into moments of connection and purpose.
Key Takeaways
Introduction (00:00)
Adrian’s transition from pharma to blood center (03:13)
Overview of NYBC’s structure and mission (06:01)
Post-pandemic challenges in blood donation (10:21)
Innovation: mobile donation pods (12:05)
Differences between donor and patient motivations (14:37)
Why people donate blood (16:19)
Building donor experience from empathy (18:16)
Engaging and incentivizing frontline staff (21:58)
Leadership advice: strategic adaptability (25:43)
Favorite quote and closing thoughts (31:22)
Additional Resources
New York Blood Center LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-york-blood-center/
Adrian David’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-david-biopharma/
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Fidelum Health LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fidelum-health/
Planetree LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/planetree/
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Unlock the power of our HUMAN Brand™ insights model for enhanced patient, team member, and care provider experiences: https://fidelumhealth.com/
Learn how Planetree can help your organization deliver person-centered care at: https://www.planetree.org/