Someone wants your blood, and this is not a horror movie. According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds someone in this country needs a blood transfusion, yet fewer than ten percent of eligible donors are giving blood.

Last year, I donated blood for the first time at the Eric Chase Blood Drive at WHS, and I was pleasantly surprised. The staff in the Boston Children’s Hospital van was not a cluster of blood-thirsty vampires; they were polite and personable, and they encouraged me to make myself comfortable and hydrate with orange juice and water that they provided. The large needle scared me but hurt no more than getting a shot at the doctor’s office.

Afterwards, I felt proud that I had given a part of myself to help others. Now, it brings me happiness to think about how someone in a hospital could receive my blood when they need it to survive.

Although donating seems “scary” or “gross” to many people, donating blood is important. Emergency rooms need blood to be ready on the shelf. Many surgeries and other medical procedures also require donated blood. Not to mention, people with sickle cell anemia and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy often need regular blood transfusions.

Blood donation benefits both the recipient and the donor. Coming from a family with a history of heart disease, the health benefits were a factor that made me want to donate even more. According to the American Heart Association, donating blood regularly is healthy for the heart and can significantly reduce a person’s risk of having a stroke or heart attack.

So what are you waiting for? In Massachusetts, the minimum age for donating blood is 16 years with parental consent. That means seniors, juniors, and some sophomores could donate blood this month. The 4th Annual Eric Chase Blood Drive is scheduled for June 18th from 8 to 3 pm in the Commons. Blood mobiles from both the Dana Farber and Children’s Hospital will be accepting donations.

Blood is a substance that everyone has, and it’s easier to give than you might think. See you at the blood drive.

Opinion articles written by staff members represent their personal views. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent WSPN as a publication.