With the school blood drive coming up, I continue to hear about the fear people have to donate blood or, for others, just an underlying laziness problem. The fear of needles and blood, I can understand, but not having a legitimate reason to refuse to give blood just isn’t right. People need to conquer their fears and battle the unwillingness to donate. The process only takes a minimal amount of your time and the only pain you’ll go through is a slight pinch

Obviously I strongly believe that people with the ability to give blood should do so whenever possible. It’s the easiest thing we can do to help those individuals who are stuck in a hospital bed, and are in dire need of blood. Wouldn’t you want someone to do the same for you if you were in that position?

It’s great to think that we can actually save a life with one tiny prick of a needle and with no medical degree required. That in itself should be enough motivation.

For those people who just fear the needle and/or the whole idea of blood, these fears are very common but also easy to overcome. Just think of the unfortunate patients and what they have to go through on a daily basis just to survive. Trust me, they’re going through much worse.

So, if can convince one person to give blood, I will be happy, but my happiness won’t compare to the happiness of the hopeful recipient of this gracious donation.

By Emily Forst