Although the recent blood drive at school has passed, that is not a reason to not consider donating blood. All those who have the ability to donate blood should seriously consider going down that path. Donating any type of blood could prove very helpful in many situations.

Blood is the most in-demand part of the human body in hospitals, with someone needing blood every two seconds. Whether the need for blood is due to a car crash or sickle cell disease, these people need anywhere from three to over one hundred pints of blood. Just one pint of blood can help save three different people.

Donating blood does not have a noticeable negative effect on the human body. With proper fluid intake, the red blood cells that were lost take just three weeks to come back to full numbers in the body, and just eight weeks for the iron to return to normal levels as well. Though there are some side affects such as lightheadedness or nausea, those symptoms are only very temporary and often don’t occur. There is little risk of infection when donating, and zero risk of gaining a disease. The safety concern of donating blood should be taken into consideration if one falls under any of the categories in which the blood donation group says is unsafe, but if not, there should be no reason to be afraid of any negative effects on one’s body. The Red Cross is dedicated to making this process as safe and healthy as possible for donors, there is no reason one should think otherwise.

Appointments normally take just one hour, with the drawing of the blood only taking around ten minutes. It is quick, it is convenient, and it is something a student or teacher can make time for in their schedule at least once a year. Though, one can donate every 56 days, or basically every two months.

Donating blood needs to be considered for anyone who is able to. It plays a critical role in helping save people’s lives and helping hospitals with everything from transfusions to surgeries. The next chance to donate blood, one should keep in mind all the positive effects this can have on another humans life. When one has the chance to be this influential on another with a completely safe and easy process, there should be no hesitation.