by Rosa Hayes

Created on: January 13, 2009

There are many reasons as to why people do not give blood. Giving blood takes a lot of patience and will power but some people are not good candidates for giving blood in the first place. During the wait to give blood you are placed in a room filled with many people and are put through many test such as an iron test, weight check, blood pressure check, and background check to see if you have been placed in jail or have already contributed within the last few days.

There are many benefits to giving blood and we shouldn't let this slip through our minds. Giving blood helps those who may need a blood transfusion and it helps to save lives. During the 9-11 attack there were many victims who needed blood and with the help of the United States citizens they were able to get this but it also left a lack of supply do to the attack. After many people receive the necessary blood that they needed the government stepped up and asked those who could to donate to help save lives. Many people donated and even those who were unsure if they could, had even attempted to give blood. A couple of years had passed since the attack and many people stopped donating blood once again and it has left the blood supply low.

If you are not sure if you would be able to donate you can always attempt it anyways but be sure to eat a hearty meal and to not smoke or do any form of exercise within a few hours before donating since this will cause your blood pressure to rise and you may not be able to donate.

Back on the subject of people not being able to donate; blood pressure is a high factor in why more people don't give blood. If you have high blood pressure or diabetes you will not be able to donate. Low blood pressure can also stop you from donating as will a low blood can't or an iron deficiency.

Although many people would like to donate blood and come out with their nice t-shirt stating that they donated they may not be able too and this doesn't always mean that it was their choice. For those who don't donate blood because of a choice that they made, this could be due to a fear of needles or blood. If you pass out when you see blood or a needle then you will not be able to donate since they need you awake in order to draw the blood out.

Giving blood is a choice that you must make on your own but you should be advised that not everyone can give blood, but if you try then you can go home knowing that you tried to do something to help save lives.

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