Now more than ever, it’s important to donate blood. We are currently in a national blood shortage. You quite literally can save lives and it’s easy enough to do. NHS sets up semi-annual blood drives for all students and staff to participate in. This year, I decided to take part not just as an NHS member but as a donor as well. I was skeptical if they would accept my donation, because of my previous low iron. On the spot they make you answer a series of questions, basic things like if you are pregnant or have any heart conditions. They also prick your finger to see if you have low iron or not. Turns out I don’t have low iron anymore. However, you have to have a heart rate that’s under 100 bpm to donate blood, which I did not. They turned me down but said that I could try again even tomorrow if I found a new donation center. Hopefully next time my heart rate won’t be 138 bpm and I can donate blood in the future.