JACKSON, Miss. – It makes you feel good afterward, but boy do I hate it.
Donating blood has never been my cup of tea. The waiting, the needle, the awkward questions like, “have you been to the Congo in the last 18 months” or “have you been in the presence of someone with hepatitis?” I…don’t…think…so?
I DON’T LIKE IT! Despite that, I still did it this week. I got out of my car, noticed th the van next to the station and just decided: Why not? Helping people makes you feel good and it seems like all you hear about after major shootings or disasters is how hospitals are in desperate need of blood.
So with that in mind, it did it.
According to the American Red Cross every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. So it should be no surprise that hospitals need it. Also, it’s estimated that 38 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood at any given time, but the sad thing is is that less than 10% of that eligible population actually do so each year.
Mississippi Blood Services were the folks kind enough to put up with my complaining the whole time. The people there were nothing but enjoyable to talk to, and without question made the experience as easy and as painless as possible. Ms. Virginia was an absolute delight and at one point, so lovingly, told everyone in the bus to ignore my complaints and told me to stop telling people “I’m about to die”. I was of course kidding, but at the same time my mind was like “you’ve got a giant sword in your arm.”
Anyway, If you’re one of those people who are afraid to give blood, for whatever reason, don’t be. I hate needles as much as the devil hates Jesus, but in reality the needle is nothing. It’s just your mind going into panic mode because as animals we’re not suppose to okay with blood coming out of us. We’re not suppose to be okay with needles sticking into our bodies. These are all natural fears that you can almost guarantee will be there, but the good in donating will always be greater then the bad.
Look, if you don’t want to give blood, you’re not a bad person and if anyone accuses you of being a bad person, ignore them. Maybe find another way to help out. However, if you see that big honkin’ van outside your building one day, don’t be afraid. I promise you’ll feel better for it.
To find out where to donate go to http://www.msblood.com/donate/
