by Roger Crain

Created on: October 19, 2009   Last Updated: October 21, 2009

Donating blood not only benefits the people who need it, but also gives the donor the reassurance that he or she is contributing to the task of saving lives. Thus, this article will make you aware of that task and the huge benefit that people have in donating their blood.

When you walk into any chapter of the American Red Cross, you are immediately met with a trained medical technician. This person has been thoroughly grounded in his or her profession, and should have the knowledge to put you at ease when it comes to answering your questions.

Thus, one of the key benefits that donors have is the knowledge that is ascertained from the donor/technician relationship. If you are a newcomer to the donor process, the ARC will thoroughly prepare you during your initial screening. This screening includes filling out a medical history and taking an HIV test to determine whether it is safe to permit you to continue through the process.

Once your HIV test comes back negative, you will be permitted to continue the donor process. The donor process is, in essence, a benefit in itself. It provides you with the techniques and equipment that the skilled technician will use to further lessen any anxiety you might have. Every donor vein is injected with a disposable syringe, and the technician periodically checks on you to see how you are doing.

Furthermore, the technician can help you feel more comfortable by letting her know whether there is too much pressure exerted by the needle, causing signs of discomfort. If those signs are quite obvious, then the technician will act accordingly.

Additionally, when giving blood, donors get the benefit of knowing that they are contributing to the blood supply, which has become a major problem due to the inordinate amount of blood needed by hospitals and clinics each year. Meeting that need depends on how conscientious you are in wanting to help those whose lives depend on that one pint that you give.

Being courageous enough to donate your blood is another benefit for those who donate. That description tells people that you are, indeed, passionate about saving human lives and concerned enough about the mortality of those that your donation will go to.

Now that you are versed in the procedure of giving blood, you will want to know how giving blood does not put a donor at risk. As stated earlier, you are teamed with a trained medical technician who knows how to minimize those risks. Thus, cooperating with your medical technician during the

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