Blood:

Donating blood is something you can get involved with right away, even today if you want!  Often times, the Red Cross, or another agency, will come to your school, and give a presentation.  Then they will host a blood donation center right at your school.  Blood drives are also held at many workplaces, and other public places.  This is often the way to get many people who want to donate blood to do so easily and quickly.  The procedure takes a very short amount of time.  They stick a needle, usually in your arm, and draw out some blood and then patch you up.  It can all take less than 10 seconds.  You may also have to fill out a brief form, but overall the process is very quick and easy.  If your school doesn’t have a blood drive, and you are still interested in donating your blood, talk to your parents, or contact your local blood donations centers such as the Red Cross.  You don’t get paid for your blood, but it is worth helping to save a life? 

Organs:

Organ donations work a little differently.  When you sign up to be an organ donor, it is usually a decision made at the Registry of Motor Vehicles, and a sticker is placed on your driver’s license.  While this is the simplest way to sign up, anyone can become an organ donor. If you are under 18 all you need is your parents' consent, and you can sign up with the Health and Services Department of the Government.  Many times, you will be given a card that indicates you as an organ donor.  This is something that you would then carry in your wallet or purse.  When you sign up to be an organ donor, it’s true meaning is somewhat hard to grasp, and a little morbid.  What it means is that in the event of your death, if your body is reached in time, any of your organs can be used to save someone else’s life that may need them.  Now, this is clearly a hard concept to grasp, but as a teenager, it is an issue that you should discuss with your family and loved ones.  You will probably need your parents consent anyway, so talking to them about it is necessary, but very helpful. 

That’s how it works for blood and organ donations, clearly two very different issues, but both equally important.  If you are new to donation, why not try donating blood, and see how it makes you feel?  Then you can move on from there.