The number one reason people do not donate blood is because “they don’t like needles.” I happen to be a part of that demographic. On the other hand, the number one reason people choose to donate blood is that they “want to help others.” I happen to be a part of this group as well. When I turned sixteen, my immediate thought was that I would be able to finally donate blood despite my adversity to needles. In my mind, if one donation can save three lives, I could muster up enough courage to be poked with a needle for a few minutes.

However, I was unable to donate the first three times because I was anemic. Being the stubborn person that I am, as soon as I couldn't do something, I became obsessed with wanting to do it. I ate spinach and red meat to raise my low iron levels. I took iron pills. My efforts proved successful when I was able to finally donate. I was overjoyed to finally be able to save three lives.

In an emergency, blood loss is what causes a person to die from an injury. By simply having blood available for a transfusion, a life can be saved. In fact, a car accident victim may need up to a 100 pints of blood. One pint is all that is taken during a donation. That’s quite an impact when all one has to do is sit down for 15 minutes and have their blood drawn. On a lighter note, donors receive a gift and refreshments post-donation.

Donating blood is often overlooked as a way to give charity. I often hear people apologize for not donating money to a cause because they are broke. This isn't a problem because everyone has blood. Others may not have time to volunteer. Registration, donation, and recovery only takes thirty minutes, and at most an hour. Another complaint I hear about donating blood is the soreness or bruising from a nurse searching for a vein. This is trivial in comparison to the pain of those in the hospital.

I highly encourage people who have O- blood aka universal donors, to donate blood. There is a constant need for transfusions. If a person's blood type is unknown, then O- is the default type used. A, B, and AB are all important as there are only so many people with the O blood type.

If you choose to donate, eating well, especially iron-rich foods, before and after reduces the risk of fainting. Drinking lots of water help a nurse find your veins more easily and can prevent bruising. After donation, don't rush out of your chair or stand up too quickly. Following these simple guidelines will hopefully lead to a successful donation.

As written on the Red Cross Blood website, “The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.” You never know who your donation will save; it could even be yourself.