By Tiffany Kinniebrew, American Red Cross volunteer

For a long time, I told myself I would give blood “one day.” I believed deeply in the mission of the American Red Cross and understood how critical blood donations are to saving lives, but fear always held me back. I worried about needles, discomfort, and the unknown. Like many people, I supported the cause in theory, but hesitated in practice.

That changed when I recently became a Red Cross volunteer.

Volunteering with the Red Cross made me reflect on how I could fully support the mission—not just by encouraging others, but by “walking the talk” myself. Giving blood felt like a natural next step. Still, I’ll be honest: even with my commitment to volunteering, I was nervous walking into my first donation appointment.

I scheduled my first-ever blood donation at an American Red Cross blood donation center, unsure what to expect but determined to follow through. What I didn’t expect was just how easy, calm, and comfortable the entire experience would be.

From the moment I arrived, the Red Cross staff put me at ease. Every step of the process was explained clearly, and I never felt rushed or unsure. The environment was welcoming, professional, and supportive, exactly what you’d hope for when doing something new that feels intimidating.

And the part I feared most? The needle.

The discomfort was minimal, just a brief pinch, and then it was over. No pain, no lingering soreness, no stress. I remember thinking, “This is what I was afraid of all this time?” The experience was far less daunting than the fears I had built up in my mind.

What stayed with me most wasn’t just how simple the process was—it was how meaningful it felt afterward. As a volunteer, I often talk about the importance of preparedness, response, and community support. Donating blood helped me feel more connected to that mission. It reminded me that volunteering takes many forms, and sometimes the most powerful ones are also the simplest.

Blood donors are volunteers in one of the most direct and impactful ways possible. Every donation helps ensure that lifesaving blood is available for people facing emergencies, surgeries, medical treatments, and disasters. The Red Cross depends on people who are willing to step forward, even if they’re nervous at first.

If you’ve ever considered donating blood but hesitated because of fear, I hope my experience offers reassurance. You don’t have to be fearless, you just have to be willing. The process is safe, supportive, and far easier than you might expect.

Volunteering with the Red Cross has shown me that service isn’t about perfection; it’s about participation. Whether you support financially, donate blood, volunteer your time, or encourage someone else to get involved, every action matters.

I’m grateful I took this step—and I know it won’t be my last donation.

If you’ve been waiting for a reason to get involved or to finally give blood, let this be your sign. When we choose to act, we ensure that help is always there when it’s needed most.