The first time I gave blood, I was in college. There was a big drive at the Union Building on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington. Luckily I was healthy and able to donate. And it didn’t hurt to find out that there were donuts and drinks. I waited in line as there were a lot of students willing and ready to face the needle.
When it was my turn, the skilled phlebotomist found the vein and slipped the needle into my arm. I barely felt it. Then, all I had to do was squeeze my fist every few seconds until the bag was full. I was amazed at how quickly it went. I sat down and had a donut and juice. Then it sunk in. I was just able to help someone I didn’t know and it could possibly save a life.
It was a transformative experience. At once, I felt as if I had been given a gift. And I was. To be able to help someone just by sharing twenty minutes of my time, I was able to give a small part of myself that would be easily replenished without any harm being done to me. What a miracle!
I am a universal donor because my blood type is O negative. It is always needed and I gave regularly for many years. Now I am unable to give because I have epilepsy and had a seizure after my last donation. I really miss the experience.
I had read somewhere that there is a positive physiological effect that happens after you give blood. Upon further research I found, in an article on health.com. entitled “4 Unexpected Benefits of Donating Blood.”
According to the article, it can help your blood flow better. Part of giving blood entails taking your temperature, pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin levels. It’s like a mini check-up. After its collection, it is sent off to be tested for 13 types of infectious diseases. And if anything comes back positive you are notified immediately. You must never give if you aren’t feeling well or have been exposed to a virus.
Your iron level is checked and must be at a certain level to give. Knowing your levels helps to keep them balanced by eating foods on a list that is given. And the 4th reason is that doing things to help other people could help you live longer.
Most of all, according to the Red Cross, a single donation can save up to 3 people’s lives. If that isn’t a great reason to give it a try, I don’t know what it would be. That is not to say that there aren’t good reasons to make one unable to do this, because this is is just one way to help others. We each have things we can give and this may not be one of the ones for you.
If you can give blood, consider giving it a try. They will not take your blood if there is even a slight possibility of it harming you. You must answer a lengthy questionnaire before they even start the mini check. So think about it. It may be just the thing that will make you feel the goodwill of that action. And because of you, it may just make 3 other people feel good and grateful for your gift of Life.