Yesterday I gave blood for the first time, momentarily overcoming my fear of needles and all things surgical. I had promised myself that I would do it after the triathlon season, and Columbia was hosting a blood drive so yesterday after work I went over to Uris Hall to tap a vein. You complete a form with lots of health questions, which a nurse reviews. Your blood is tested for iron levels, your pulse and blood pressure taken. My pulse was about 20 beats per minute over its normal resting rate–my fear of needles is alive and well. After that’s all done, you get in line to lie on a stretcher and donate.

We were set up in a meeting space in Uris Hall–home to the Columbia Business School–the walls are covered in scandivanian-style blond wood, recessed digital clocks tell the time in New York, London and Tokyo. How long am I going to be here for? Before long, Michele, my friendly vampire, comes by, swipes my arm with alcohol, tells me I’m going to feel a little pinch and the donation begins. Anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes she says. Small pinch, little burn from the alcohol. I start my stopwatch. After a few mintes I feel a little lightheaded and start sweating. I tell Michele, who raised my feet, lowers my head and gives me an ice pack for my neck. Eight minutes later she tells me that I’m all done. I rest for a couple minutes then go drink an apple juice and eat some trail mix. A volunteer tells me that she donated plateles once a week to help someone survive Leukemia.

Did you know that there is no substitute for human blood and that blood is in constant demand? I didn’t. The entire process took about 30 minutes and there’s a good feeling that comes from doing something helpful, without knowing who you’re helping. Learn more about donating from the New York Blood Bank.