Teens talk about donating blood
Teens around the country have shared their experience about donating blood. Sure they were nervous, but they all thought it was well worth it. Check out what they have to say about saving lives!

When I turned 17 years old I really wanted to donate blood because I knew how important it was. The first time I tried to give I was sick and on antibiotics. The next chance came about a week ago August 11th 2008. I was nervous and excited at the same time. I gave without complications and it was a great experience.
–Heather, age 17

I am 18 years old and I have been donating blood ever since the day I turned 17 last year. I went on the day of my birth to do something for someone else. I hope that the four times I have donated have helped someone who needed it. I am also in the Volunteer Fire Department here in my county. I have learned through the Department that there are people out there that really need blood. Heroes can start at the youngest of ages. So don't be afraid to go donate blood; it might be scary, but the first time is always scary. I really hope that you too can be a hero! Just think – you might be saving a small child's life.
–Brittany S., age 18, Texas

My mom used to give blood regularly. When my high school was having a blood drive I was thrilled to be able to donate blood. Then I heard I had to be 18. I was really disappointed. Then I asked if you could be 17 and donate. The answer was yes, with parent consent. I donated blood and was really glad I did. The blood you donate goes to saving lives. In the event that your blood isn't used, it goes to labs for research. Don't feel you're too young to donate. If you're afraid of the process hurting know that the nurses do everything possible to make the process as painless as possible. YOU DON'T FEEL A THING. Give blood and don't just give once, give multiple times.
-John S., age 17, California

I just donated blood for the first time a few months ago. I was so nervous because I am terrified of needles but the nurse talked to me the whole time and kept me relaxed. I just closed my eyes and turned my head and did not look at the needle until after she stuck it in. I am proud of myself for donating because most of my friends chickened out and did not go through with it... I also felt proud because I didn't screech, cry, or anything and the boy next to me freaked out when he saw the needle and almost started crying!!! I now plan on being a faithful donor and have three more appointments made to donate before the end of the year! This is something that I encourage everyone to do!!
–Victoria, age 17

I am terrified of needles. I had just turned 17 and heard there was going to be a blood drive at my school. I figured I should just suck it up and sign up. The day of the blood drive came and I was so nervous that I was shaking when I was being asked questions. I completely freaked when I saw the needle. I honestly felt like running away, but I wasn’t going to wuss out. I laid back, closed my eyes, and I didn’t feel a thing! I kept looking at magazines and before I knew it I was done. Plus I got a free cookie! That was the first thing I did as a seventeen-year-old. I still donate blood when I can and I’m not scared of needles anymore. It’s great donating blood. It doesn’t seem like much, but it can save lives.
–Karla A., age 17

I was just a senior in high school when I was able to donate blood. I’d wanted to do it ever since freshman year, because I knew it was a brave and honorable thing to do. When I signed up for it, I was on cloud nine. Seriously! It felt like a privilege to be eligible. As the days were winding down to that day though, I was starting to feel a bit scared, nervous, and having second thoughts. I’d never done it before. As I was walking into the school gym to donate my blood, the first thing I saw was this guy passing out, and twitching like crazy. My jaw dropped and my eyes were like a deer caught in headlights. I was ready to walk out and forget about doing it, but I thought, “I can’t just drop out. I’m already signed up! I can't be a coward about this.” I ignored the twitching boy and signed in. I waited alone and felt nervous about the interview, but it wasn't so bad. The nurse made me feel comfortable and calm about it all. My vitals were checked and I was squared away. I went to “The Chair,” was strapped at the arm, and looked away as I was punctured at the elbow. It only felt like a mere pinch; it wasn’t bad at all. I laid there for ten minutes tops, and before I knew it, a whole pint was done. I was surprised. I felt fine. I wasn't faint or dizzy, or passing out! I felt good as they packaged my blood up and bandaged my arm. Donating blood was the best feeling in the world, as I knew it would go to someone who really needed it.
-Kady L., age 17

I faithfully donate blood. I first donated as a junior in high school. Now, I try to donate as often as allowed, which is every eight weeks. Of course, scheduling conflicts or illness presents problems sometimes, but I always manage. I was inspired to give blood regularly when I overheard two grown men talking about how they had each donated almost eight gallons throughout their lives. That is remarkable, I think, so I made a promise to myself that I would try to give regularly and try to achieve eight gallons also. This will take years, but, God willing, I will accomplish my goal. One pint of blood, which is what I donate each time, has the potential to save up to three people's lives, and most blood drives are for local people in need. With something like that as an incentive, why not give?
–Leah, age 19

I recently turned 17 and my school was about to hold their annual blood drive and my best friend told me she wanted to donate blood. I really started to think about it but I didn’t think I would be able to because I am sooooo afraid of needles. I told her I would do it if she did, and so I went. It didn’t even hurt at all and I didn’t get dizzy. It was a great experience and I will do it again. It made me feel really good.
–Nikki, age 17

I'm 17 years old with the blood type O-positive. The reason I became a donor was because I feel it’s important to give people second chances in life. Giving blood gives me the opportunity to make a difference in a life of a stranger, which I believe might send good karma my way every once in a while. The question I ask myself comes from the saying “We’re family because we share the same blood.” So every time I donate blood I ask myself, “Who is becoming my family with this donation?” Now I try to get a new family member about every eight weeks.
–Laura, age 17

I am 17 years old and have recently donated blood for the first time. My story starts with my father. He is 49 and has donated regularly ever since he was able to. He is O-positive so he was welcomed to donate as often as possible. Every time that I would go with him while he donated he would always tell me that he was looking forward to the time when I would be able to start donating as well.

My father was my inspiration to start donating; he taught me the importance of donating blood so that others that need it will have it. I donated for the first time about three weeks ago. In fact I got my donor card in the mail today. I learned that, like my father, I am O-positive. So I guess that means that United Blood Services will be just as happy to see my face as my father’s.

I know that I will continue to donate blood regularly. I know that blood donations are a kind of “liquid gold” in value. I also know what a shortage this country is in—it is a shame and I will do my part to help restock the shelves. God bless United Blood Services and all their employees for helping get the donations to the patients who need them.
–Matthew, age 17

Did one of these teens inspire you to donate blood?
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