We totally understand that there is a huge difference between giving a couple of euros and donating your blood. For one, lots of people are afraid of needles and some people just cannot stand the sight of blood (twilight would not be their thing!) but we would love to convince anyone who has considered blood donation to go and try it!
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It really isn't that scary at all. The needle doesn't even hurt, it's just a bit uncomfortable, (like being in a room with your ex for the first time..... okay maybe not that uncomfortable), like a soft pinch and the discomfort is over in seconds. To be honest you don't even feel anything when the blood is being taken. If you're not sure if you're able to donate, when you register the nurses are really super helpful and tell you everything you would need to know.
On Monday the blood clinic arrived back on campus and we were pretty much the first in line like eager little beavers(except without the huge teeth and tails)! The feeling you get from donating your blood, knowing that it is going to help someone suffering from cancer, someone who was hit by a drunk driver or a newborn baby is overwhelming and you really realise that a simple 15 minute donation could save someone's life. It's truly an amazing experience!
We're not going to lie, some people do experience light-headedness, but the nurses supervise you for a while after donating to make sure you are (in the words of Nina Simone) feeling good.
In college, and we're sure in most donation clinics, sugary snacks and drinks are also available and your pockets are practically stuffed full of sweets by the nurses when you're leaving (us college students always appreciated free food)! The nurses yesterday were so incredibly nice and sweet, especially Cora who reminded us of us of our own mothers and really put us at ease! Plus you get to have a great ole chat while you're donating, you get all the goss!
The point of this post? If you think you would be eligible to donate blood (and you don't vomit at the sight of it (we don't want the nurses having to clean up a big mess)), go to your nearest clinic. In Ireland the blood banks are almost never full and we would love for them to be just as much as the doctors and nurses do. It's such an important cause that really is the difference between life and death.
If you want to check the current blood supply in Ireland, click Here (This site has tons of really interesting information!)
As always thank you for taking the time to read our posts!
Until next time,
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Well done girls! I would like to donate blood too, but I'm never sure where to do it! I will definitely have a look now and try to donate locally :)
ReplyDeleteEmily xx
Thank you so much for your comment! We really would encourage you to give it a try! It's so rewarding!
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Gem and Jo.