Fear could have kept Arin Barth from donating blood. “I was super afraid of needles.”

The thought made Arin, who is transgender and doesn’t use pronouns, apprehensive. With a self-described low threshold for pain and a high level of discomfort, at first donating seemed like a tough task.

“Even though the prick from the needle, like in the grand scheme of things, is not that painful, it was enough to make me very, very anxious.”

But one day during a college class, a blood typing test revealed Arin had something coveted by blood banks – O negative blood.

O negative blood is typically in high demand and short supply at hospitals because it can be used in any transfusion. Arin was a universal donor and there was an upcoming blood drive happening at school.

“Having that O negative – I know that’s very beneficial to have in the banks. So then it felt like that’s a reason to try to get past this and donate anyway.”

Arin donated for the first time at that college blood drive and has donated several times since.

Warning phlebotomists at Red Cross blood donation sites there might be tears, Arin said, “They’re always like, oh, you’re doing a really good job. It’ll be super quick. We’ve got it – just let us know if you need anything.” That compassion has made the process easier.

Bringing Arin’s spouse Marika along for emotional support also helps. Marika donates too.

“My partner and I would donate at the same time and I would have them start me first so they could hold my hand.”

While giving blood, Arin thinks about family and friends who may not be able to donate for medical reasons, like a friend who had leukemia or Arin’s mom who survived cancer.

A stepfather who donated blood every 8 weeks “like clockwork” also inspired Arin to give. Coincidentally, he was also a universal donor with O negative blood.

As for that fear of needles? Arin has actually done blood draws and injections while working in the medical field and pursuing a graduate degree.

“It’s a career where I can really make a difference.”

If you are thinking of donating blood for the first time but don’t like needles, Arin has some advice.

“It’s fine to be nervous. There are lots of folks there to help you through the process. It’s so easy to donate but can make a huge difference in saving a life.”

To schedule an appointment to donate blood, visit RedCrossBlood.org.

- Written by Jenny Farley, Submitted photo