I used to donate regularly. It’s not a big deal to donate blood. Once in a while you feel light headed but they give you cookies and juice and 20 minutes later you’re fine again. Sadly due to medical reasons and medication I take for my heart I am no longer allowed to give per protocol. I would if I could.
Young people in good health should donate. It’s a simple thing that is beneficial to the common good of the country.
I used to donate regularly, (I donated for the first time in my SR year of HS) but the last couple of times I tried to donate my BP was too high but am on meds again and lost some weight, so hope I can donate again soon.
I am also CMV negative which is much needed for babies and cancer patients who need a blood transfusion.
It is really pretty much painless and doesn’t take all that much time. I think I even read somewhere that donating blood can actually help reduce HBP. I’ve also donated plasma a few times which takes longer and more involved but still no really a big deal.
The biggest thing to do before donating blood is to drink a lot of water before and after and avoid some strenuous physical activity after, but for only the 1st 24 hours.
If you’ve even had a relative who desperately needs blood, please consider donating. Be the stranger who donated to save their lives to save someone else’s.