At my high school, a team of nurses came to draw blood from whoever was willing and old enough to donate. I just reached the age to qualify to donate blood, and I knew I wanted to. I was also curious about what blood type I am. I was nervous at first, since I heard stories of nurses messing up and drawing too much blood. I am sure those stories were on rare occasions, but I couldn't help but imagine the worse. I convinced my friend and sister to donate, and I think I made the right decision by donating blood.

1. Helps save lives.

This is the big pro of donating blood. Every 2 seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Also, blood goes bad, and can only be used within a certain time span. Unfortunately, hospitals do not have enough blood to satisfy every patient. If you donate blood, hospitals will be one step closer to achieving that goal.

2. That proud feeling.

You say you're afraid of needles? You are not alone! Many donors overcome their fears while in the chair. Additionally, I don't think you can compare 5 minutes of slight pain to the long-term suffering desperate patients feel while checked into the hospital. Remember: donating is not a drafting system, blood donations is a type of volunteering. Volunteering makes us feel accomplished and proud. Plus, as a reward for your good deed, you get juice and a cookie!

3. Restores your blood.

Many people think that if they donate too much blood, it could be harmful to their body. That's not true! Once you give your pint of blood, your body instantly starts to replenish the blood you lost. In fact, after your blood is drawn, your body runs more efficiently. Your body produces new red blood cells that are more efficient at carrying oxygen throughout the body.

4. Offers a free mini-checkup.

Before any you donate blood, a nurse will check your physical health. He or she will give you a "mini-checkup." During this checkup, you will get a chance to find out what your pulse, blood pressure, body temperature, cholesterol and hemoglobin levels all are. You can get this free checkup every 56 days since that is the time you have to wait between your blood donations.

5. Everything is free.

Like previously stated, blood donation is a form of volunteering, so there is no fee to contribute. The only thing you need is a form of identification, which many people care around wherever they go. It is important to eat and drink after you give blood; most blood drives offer you treats like cookies, cupcakes and juices so your body can start producing new blood cells efficiently. Sometimes blood drives even offer raffles or free t-shirts. Can't go wrong with that!

Blood drives happen all year around, but the majority of them happen in the spring. Find blood donation locations near you and donate today!