Top Ten Reasons for Not Giving Blood

Reason #1. “I’m afraid of needles.”

If you’re afraid of needles, you’re far from alone. In fact, ABC News reported in 2008 that up to ten percent of the population may be affected by needle phobia.

Most people can agree that getting injected with Novacaine at the dentist isn’t one of their favorite things to do, nor is the momentary prick of getting a vaccine or the pinch of a needle for a blood test. However, the minimal discomfort of a momentary prick is certainly worth it when its cause is giving the gift of blood, the gift of life, for as many as three other people.

Fear of needles is certainly a valid concern and is even recognized by mental health professionals as a mental disorder. Admittedly, blood donation requires not one but two quick needle sticks — one during the interview to check a donor’s iron level and another to take his or her donation.

Even if thinking about needles makes you cringe, you can still be a life-saving blood donor. Some people decide to donate blood to overcome their fears, and the donation process itself causes little discomfort; the quick pinch to test the iron level is the worst part for many donors.

While getting pricked with a needle certainly isn’t a pleasant experience for anyone, the actual whole blood donation typically takes less than ten minutes. Once it’s over, a member of the MKBC staff will hook you up with a bandage and you can reward yourself with some sweet treats at the canteen.

Plus, drinking plenty of water before your donation can help minimize the pinch factor. According to blood donation experts, staying hydrated will cut down on the time it takes to collect your donation and make you feel better after it’s over.

Today, it is commonplace for adults to have multiple tattoos and piercings — all of which required a needle prick. The American Academy of Dermatology reported that 24 percent of adults surveyed in 2004 said they had a tattoo, and 34 percent reported having ear piercings.

Why not endure those same pricks we so willingly endure for our own health or appearance to save the life of another person?

A resident of Easton, Sarah Peters is a junior at Penn State University, and a Public Relations Intern at Miller-Keystone Blood Center.