Is blood donation the kind of cause that can be interesting to people aged 15-30 years old?

Yes

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by Barbara Stanley

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There are increasing numbers of people looking for opportunities to volunteer their time, money, skills, or a combination of the three. Public service announcements have increased awareness of the many needs all over our planet. The age group of 15-30 years-old have shown an interest in donating blood as a way to give back to society. The need for donated blood is a constant. Any person above a specified weight who is not currently ill, may donate a pint of blood. Teens and young adults are aware of someone who received blood due to an accident, surgery, or grave illness. Giving blood is giving life to someone. It is a simple act that takes less than thirty minutes and can be repeated approximately every six weeks.

Young people are attracted to the concept of volunteerism and charity. Unfortunately, this age group usually has the least disposable income. Giving blood is something they can do that cost no more than the gas to drive to the collection point. Many people wait until the mobile blood units are in their neighborhoods or, are invited to their school or workplace. Churches are scheduling blood drives after Sunday services to make giving more convenient.

Teens and young adults proudly wear the T-shirts they receive after donating blood. The shirts proclaim the owners as people to be admired for doing something that saves lives by giving of themselves. The shirts and other items given to donors are good conversation starters that can open doors to friendship, employment, and other volunteering opportunities. With everyone becoming more aware of the many needy people around the world and the need for people to donate their money, time, skills, and name recognition to ensure that all needs are met, young adults are looking for ways to become a part of life's solutions to world problems. They may not have the resources to do or give as much as they would like to, but giving blood is an important and, at times, urgent need that they can supply. By doing so, they become a part of the elite group of people who are doing something about needs they are aware of.

Those who have given blood enjoy sharing stories about the time when...something went wrong, something funny happened, or the stories they have heard about particular lives saved because someone donated blood. They feel important as they carry the card that identifies them as blood donors. There is pride in knowing they have given of their time and, for some, overcome fears so someone in need could receive the gift of life through receiving blood they have donated. Donors seek each other out to form friendship groups who respond to emergency calls for certain blood types.

With more celebrities in the news for donating to or volunteering for charities, the 15-30 year old age group is motivated to emulate their idols. They may be limited by lack of resources, but they want to do something helpful for their fellowman. Giving blood is an excellent way to fulfill the duty of service to mankind. It is an act they can be proud of and one they can do regularly.

Many young people are interested in the information that is contained in human blood. DNA tests reveal quite a lot about who a person is, who is ancestors were, facts about his health, and propensities for certain illnesses or disease. Another perk to giving blood, is the fact that you receive a card with your blood type on it. Instead of paying to find out your blood type, you get this information free. You also receive a report if there is a major health issue, declining your donation until you are deemed healthy enough to donate.

Young people can volunteer in many ways, but giving blood interests them because it gives them the power to save another human life. Of course, the drama of sharing their stories with other young people also has its draw.

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