A first-time blood donor shares her experience and why she did it

I sat on the hard chairs for what seemed hours, nervously twisting my ID and registration papers in my hands.

My best friend sat beside me, not nearly as nervous.


She had done this before.

I hadn't.

Then, they finally called both of us into the questioning room.

We were going to give blood through the American Red Cross.

I had tried to donate blood the year before, but I wasn't suitable for donation. This year, after what seemed like hundreds of questions, I was given the go ahead.

 The nurse helped me lie down on the gurney, and started prepping my arm. I was a little scared — after all, my definition of fun does not include needles being stuck into any part of my body.

After the first prick, I was ready to donate, for which I was grateful. Immediately, blood started flowing down the tube to an unseen bag that was below the gurney.

For a long moment, I stared, totally fascinated. Finally, I just laid my head back and relaxed, still squeezing the little rubber ball to keep my blood flowing.

After she collected a pint, the nurse unhooked me from the apparatus. Then she let me lie there until she felt I was ready to go down to the "recovery area" (some gym mats on the floor).

 So, why did I do it? Not to get out of class, or because my friends were all doing it. I did it because I am in good health, and I wanted to be able to share my blood with people who needed it.



Tips for first-time donors

• Must be 17 years old or older
• Must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health

Before the donation

• Before donating, maintain a healthy iron level in your diet
• Eat a healthy meal before you donate
• Drink an extra 16 ounces of liquid before and after you donate