by Joshua Brandenstein

Created on: February 19, 2009

Does blood flow through their veins? The answer is synonmous. Blood donation is an amazing thing that we are all aware of. It is advertised in our high schools and colleges, and there are even occasional advertisements spread over the internet. The only problem is that many people do not involve themselves in the act of giving blood. There are many reasons why people shy away from donating, but there are also many reasons behind giving blood. Many of these reasons in actuality, are indeed capable of arousing interest among people 15-30 years old.

Many people are indeed afraid of giving blood, or just find it repulsive. Many of these people also fall into the 15-30 year old age group. This accounts for many people. There is a widespread discomfort when it comes to the donation of blood. One can't blame these people though. It's natural human instict to be repulsed by blood, needles, and the like. Some may fear pain (which, by the way, it's no worse than the common vaccination), while others just won't give it a chance. There may even be some apathy out there as well. They must have entertained the thought of giving blood, and found it to be a worthwhile cause, but the cons outweighed the pros in their minds. In essence, there are many reasons why many people are daunted from giving blood. Many of which aren't grounded in much logic, but rather must be overcome by mind over matter.

Then there are the people who are just the opposite. They find it good to have given blood. They go every 3 months (which it the suggested time to wait before donating blood again) and may even find it enjoyable. They get those cookies and the juice at the end and feel a kind of triumph akin to an A+ on an assignment, or running a marathon. Add that with the knowledge that someone's life has been changed with their donation, its a catalyst for a day-long smile. Now, mind you, 15 and 16 year olds cannot donate, however, that does not detract from the interest in the cause of blood donation. I have seen many occasions where they donate their time and effort to the cause by running the consessions one generally receives at the end of the process.

With both of these people in mind, the shy and the donors/supporters, I find that blood donation is in fact something that 15-30 year olds can find interesting. The cause and benifits are obvious, the action requires some guts, the reward is wholesome, and the people are interested. The only problem really, is that we need to take that interest, and coax and comfort some with it. After all, only five percent of those who can give blood actually do (occuring to my donor card and though I have alluded to the fact that I too have given blood, I'm not trying to pull a "greater than thou" card, I am merely using myself as an example). We should focus more on that 95% who don't donate. We can use those who have a spark of interest, to ignight a fire of passion and motivation to just get it over with, if anything. Any fears, concerns or general questions can be answered at www.givelife.org. If there's a need, there's almost always an interest. Many have that interest, it's only a matter of building on it.

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