I will be the first to tell you that I’m a giant chicken when it comes to needles and blood. I’m pretty sure it’s this aversion that has been the major contributor to my passive refusal to give a blood donation throughout the past (almost) three decades. But all that changed just a few months ago.

It all started with a LifeShare blood drive and a camera.

The day started out like any other. I had known that there would be a blood drive at Aultman, and the Corporate Communications team had decided that we wanted to take a few photos to document the event. Having never donated before, and being not-too-fond of needles, I agreed to take a few pictures of another team member, Erin, giving her donation.

As we walked into the Morrow House, I was adamant that I was just there to observe and snap a few photos. It would be a quick and easy job – get in, take a few pictures and get right back out. No medical history, no donation and certainly no needles.

As Erin was preparing to give her donation, I had the unique experience of watching the process and talking to the staff who were busy behind the scenes confirming that Erin was an eligible donor. One of the phlebotomists started talking about the donation process and how donations are used while finishing up the preliminary paperwork. It caught me off guard the number of patients, even children, a single donation could help.

After just a few more minutes, Erin had begun her donation. True to my word, I snapped my pictures and went back to my office. Though I had met my goal (no needles!), I couldn’t stop thinking about the new information I learned about what blood donations are actually used for – and how such a simple task could help so many people.

Erin stopped by my office after her donation, and before I even knew what I was saying, I was asking her if she’d go with me while I donated – I was committed now!

We walked back to the blood drive, and I started the screening process for myself. I filled out the initial paperwork, answered the health questionnaire and walked back behind the curtains at the back of the room to begin my quick health screening with my new friend, the phlebotomist – she laughed when she saw that I was back.

After answering a few more questions, the moment of truth arrived: the first finger prick to test my iron levels. It was so quick and painless that it was over before I even knew it had begun. Once my iron levels were confirmed and my brief medical history was complete, I was handed a donation bag and I was on my way.

I sat down in the chair with my feet up, and Erin sat next to me and started talking with me so I would stay calm. When it came time to insert the needle. I looked away and did my best to relax my arm, and once again, the hard part was over before I even knew it started. From there, the only thing left to do was wait and relax.

And that was it! In just under an hour, I had given my first blood donation and survived to tell the tale – and got a snack for the road. With the next blood drive coming up, I’ll definitely be taking a little time out of my day to stop down and donate again – it feels good to know you’ve done just a little bit to help others.

If you’re thinking about donating for the first time and are a little nervous about what to expect, here are a few quick tips to make your experience just a little less stressful.

Be Prepared
Remember, donating is a four-step process: medical history, a quick physical, donation and snacks. Before you begin, you’ll need to have your driver’s license handy to fill out your paperwork – then you’ll need to fill out a quick medical history questionnaire. If it helps, feel free to bring a list of the medications you’re currently taking to make sure that you’re documenting them correctly.

Make Sure You Hydrate
Staying hydrated is always important, but downing extra water 24-hours before you donate can help the process go a little more smoothly by making your veins more accessible. So, bottoms up!

Eat Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and even more so if you’re planning on donating. No, seriously. Before you donate, make sure that you take the time to eat a filling and nutritious breakfast. Having food in your stomach will help you to stay on your feet during and after the donation process.

Eat Plenty of Iron-rich Foods
Before you donate, make sure you stop by your favorite steak house – if you’re into that sort of thing. If not, load up on iron-rich foods like spinach, dark, leafy vegetables or kidney beans to help elevate your iron levels.

Bring a Friend
Though it would be awesome to have a friend with you to donate at the same time, simply having a friend, family member or coworker close by can help keep your mind relaxed. And who knows, bringing a friend may just help them take the leap and become a donor themselves!

Looking for more tips, or need a little more info on what to expect from your first donation experience? The American Red Cross has a great resource to help put your mind at ease.