by D. Brawn-Mitchell

Created on: September 26, 2008   Last Updated: November 04, 2008

Blood Donations

Yes, blood donation is the kind of cause that can interest the younger generations. Thinking on the topic at hand brought to mind a goal of my youngest son, Matthew. He is 23 years old and is counting down to the time when he can donate his O negative blood to those who need it. Having lived overseas as a child and returning at the age of 14, there is a waiting period before he can fulfill this wish. O negative blood is the type that can be accepted by all other blood types, including the rarer ones. He is proud of that and understands that his blood is extremely valued to those who will need it, to those whose life weigh in the balance.

He is a university student and does not have "extra" change laying around. Every nickel and dime counts at this stage of his life, but it doesn't eliminate the need to give and contribute to something or someone. Many young people at this age feel that this is something they can do, when typically, they don't have other resources to donate. This age is also a time of experimentation and often wide-open response to available opportunities that can impact the world and human kind.

I'm guessing, as with anything else for this age group, these are the people on whom organizations need to focus and promote the cause. Colleges and universities are obvious target places, as well as youth groups and high schools. Perfect - there really is no negative side to giving blood other than individual, personal fear. For those who do not fear the experience, it can be a significant choice for them.

I donated blood at 20 years of age. I went with a group of others the same age. Someone suggested the idea, and the group grew by word of mouth. If nothing else, it was an extra curricular activity outside the campus. Going together as a group heightened the anticipation and talk about the subject. Bottom line, it was just a good thing to do; we all knew that. We gave something that was really needed and understood the value of the contribution. It was worth it.

The cause for donating blood meets this age group at so many levels. Donating blood in the 15-30 age group is a practical way for educating about blood - who can donate to whom. Learning in such a hands-on way is education that will not soon be forgotten. Young people like hands on experience to get away from the text books and actually make an immediate impact. It is an opportunity to practically help so many others. When young people take the opportunity to help someone else, it builds their own character and an appreciation for the lives of others. The potential is limitless and somehow in the process, they learn that too.

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