It’s much easier to maintain a good reputation then mitigate if things go wrong.
Maintaining a good relationship with neighbors not only safeguards your zoning permit, it also can boost your bottom line by encouraging potential donors to come into your center.
1. Plan Ahead for Access, Safety, Neighbors’ Concerns
Consider various factors when deciding where to put your facility. Choose right, and you will help ensure the success and sustainability of your plasma center, while positively contributing to the community:
Regulations Making sure running a plasma operation in the location complies with all local, state and federal regulations is first, of course.
Access, Traffic and Demographics Proximity to public transportation, major roads and population centers is also important.
Analyze the demographics of the neighborhood to understand your potential donor base. Some plasma companies think locations in run-down areas are best. We have found that ones in up-and-coming areas close to healthcare and educational institutions perform better.
Evaluate your potential impact on traffic congestion. Work with local authorities to ensure vehicles can get in and out of your center easily.
Competition Find a spot where there is a gap in services or you can offer unique value.
Community Engagement Meet with local community leaders BEFORE you break ground or begin renovation to gauge opinions and address any NIMBY sentiments. Talk about the medical benefits of plasma donation, job creation, the economic boost, taxes, your desire to collaborate with nearby businesses and organizations, and your intention to support local causes.
Safety and Security Choose a relatively safe area and plan security measures to minimize risks to staff and donors.
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2. How to Keep the Neighbors Happy
Most problems can be avoided. Prove you are a good neighbor by:
a. designing to minimize traffic disruption and provide adequate parking
b. designing an exterior that fits in with the neighborhood
c. using noise-cancelling windows and doors
d. maintaining safe and hygienic operations
e. maintaining a minimal environmental impact
f. maintaining high standards of service
g. initiating frequent positive interactions with neighbors
h. having a weather-protected place away from street view for employees and donors to smoke
Keep your center tidy and clean inside and out. Invite the community to an Open House when you open and annually after that.
Maintain regular, scheduled contact with community leaders. Keep up a robust online and social media presence highlighting plasma’s role in treating disease and your local collaborations/partnerships.
If any issues arise, address them quickly, communicating to stakeholders how you plan to fix the situation. Invite their involvement in the solution. Participate in community events so your managers are seen and known.
Sponsor local events that enable you to become a valued neighbor. These will also provide opportunities to offer public education about the pricelessness of plasma and plasma donors.
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3. Maintain an Exterior that Creates the Image you Want
Many neighbors will never have the opportunity to visit your center. But they WILL make assumptions about your operations based on the appearance of your facility and grounds.
The ideas listed above will go a long way toward building and maintaining a positive image of plasma and your center.
In addition, keep the grounds and building exterior well-tended, dispose of all waste properly, follow environmental regulations, and demonstrate your dedication to being a good neighbor by being seen in the community contributing to its progress.
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