I truly wish I could as I have many friends and family that have had blood transfusions ... My sister had 6 units from a car accident she and I had they truly saved her life.. But do to my sexual preference they will not take my blood...
I am another that they won't take from simply because I don't weigh enough.
I am a full grown adult, this is as big as I get!
But DH does pheresis which I recommend to people who can donate!! You stay longer, but go less often and the "product" can be used by more blood types and keeps longer than whole blood.
I give whenever I am called, belong to the Blood Bank.
I went over a year where I couldnt give blood due to being in Europe in the '80's, but after enough research it was determined I wasnt there enough(military so most food came from US) to disqualify me from donating.
I too am scared of needles, I tell them just dont show me the needle or bag and I am fine. I always get the corner chair looking at no one else. I have passed out after giving, but they keep calling me back.