If some of you have never donated blood, I would like to try to tell you how my experience went. I never gave blood during high school because I was a little scared of it. I had always passed out more than the normal person so I did not want to do that during school. My sophomore year of college I decided to try it because my friend's mom had passed away recently and they were doing a blood drive in honor of her. I wanted to help. I was always fine with shots and everything like that so I figured I would be okay. I was a little nervous before but everything got easier once I was there.

Everyone working there was very nice and friendly. They really appreciated you giving up your time and blood. When you get there they ask you a few personal questions and make you take a little quiz on a computer just to make sure you are healthy and eligible to give blood. They also do a finger prick to make sure you have enough white blood cells. Then they have you lay on a tall bed type thing and basically just start. During the whole thing you have to squeeze a stress ball to keep your blood flowing. The goal is to fill one pint with blood. I did that and I felt great. I sat for a few minutes afterward because they did not want me to pass out. I got up and ate some food. After sitting up for a few minutes I knew I was going to pass out. I got up to walk back to the bed and the next thing I knew I was on the floor with a bunch of people around me. I thought it was pretty funny because I knew it was going to happen. They told me I probably should not give blood again. I definitely will though. I have the universal donor's blood. So my blood can be used for everyone, but i can only receive my type of blood. That affected my lacrosse playing after that. I began passing out a lot more. Doctors could not find out what was wrong with me but it was kind of normal for me. I have come to the conclusion that my circulation is just a little different than everyone else's. So if another person had a pint of blood taken out of them it would take them a few days to a week to remake that blood. For me it would take a little longer. Donating blood is not for everyone. If you are going to pass out then you probably should not give blood. But really I was the only one to pass out there, out of about 100 people. So odds are, you won't have any problem giving blood. So why not give blood? You could save three people's lives!

After hearing my story about giving blood you might be a little scared, even though there is a small chance you will actually pass out. So I figured I would show you a few videos of other people's experience.

Giving Blood Experience Video One
Giving Blood Experience Video Two

About American Red Cross

For my first blog post, I thought I would tell you a little bit about the American Red Cross. A women named Clara Barton is credited for the founding of American Red Cross with the help of some of her friends. This happened on May 21, 1881 in Washington D.C. She then led the American Red Cross for twenty-three years after that. Little did this group know that their finding's would have such a positive impact on the entire world especially America.

These people saved millions of lives even when they were alive never mind counting today. In todays' day and age the American Red Cross focuses on care in five critical areas.
These areas are:
People affected by disasters in America
Support for members of the military and their families
Blood collection, processing, and distributing
Health and safety education and training
International relief and development
Their mission statement is " The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors."
The American Red Cross is here to help people. American Red Cross is always there for people when needed.
This article shows the American Red Cross getting ready to help with the most recent disaster of hurricane Matthew.

redcross.org