I donated blood for the first time on December 6, 2014. Since then, I have donated four times. Every time I donate, someone always asks, "What was it like?" or "What do you have to do?"

Here are the steps you go through in donating blood:

1. Registration

You walk in and someone will greet you. They will ask if you are preregistered (I preregister through the Red Cross app). They will then give you a packet regarding donating blood. For example, the packet include countries you may have gone to in certain years. It also includes certain diseases and virus's you may have been exposed to. When you are done reading the packet, you return it, then wait for someone to come and get you.

2. Mini-Physical

When a staff member comes to get you, they will direct you to a small room/ cubicle. You will answer some questions regarding your heath history and places you have traveled. Some questions they may ask include any recent tattoos or piercings, some travel history, and if you are pregnant. The staff member will then take your temperature, check your pulse, blood pressure, and hemoglobin level present. If your levels are too low or too high, you will not be able to donate.

3. Donation

If you pass the mini-physical, a staff member will escort you to a donation chair. They may ask which arm you prefer to donate from. I typically choose my left arm because that is where the largest veins in my arms are usually found. You may be asked to squeeze a type of stress ball. They will ask for your name and birthday and begin scanning bags. The staff member will then find a vein and draw two lines around it. They will tape a tube to your arm, finish up a few pieces of organization, then get ready. 3, 2, 1.....

You may have to continue squeezing the ball to keep the blood flowing. Depending on how large your veins are, you could be done in just a few minutes. If you veins are smaller like mine, it may take a couple of extra minutes to fill the bags and tubes. Once everything is full, they will disconnect you, put some gauze over your arm, take the needle out, ask you to hold the gauze on your arm, and lift your arm above your head. After a minute or two, they will have you put your arm back down. They will wrap you up and again ask your name and birthday. They will then go over some basic after care with you and give you an after care pamphlet. The staff member will then direct you over to the snack and refreshment table.

4. Snack

After your donation you should have a snack and something to drink. After about 10-15 minutes, you are good to go with the "feeling of accomplishment knowing that you have helped save lives."

Things to know

Do not donate if you are on your period. If you start to feel dizzy or light headed, tell someone right away. A staff member will take care of you and make sure everything is alright. To decrease the chances of feeling lightheaded or dizzy during a donation, be sure to stay hydrated and eat 1-2 hours prior to donation.

Information found from www.redcrossblood.org and from personal experience.