Give blood regularly

I tried to give blood for the first time last week, as I just turned 17 almost a month ago, and our school was having a blood drive. I was cleared on my medical history, ID, hemoglobin (which was 16 mg/dl, extremely high for a 17 year old vegan girl), and HIV. I was nervous to donate for the first time. My heart rate was 103. The maximum acceptable HR is 100. FML.

My aunt donates as much as she can. She’s in her 50s, so by now she has indented scars on both arms from the needle :P

Twice a year my health teacher organizes a blood drive at school and every year I have to say, “Fuck, I’m not 17 yet.” I think the spring one is usually on May 1st or 2nd… my birthday is on the 6th. I’ll get to donate at least 2 times though before I graduate and I’ll donate at college and later in life.

Btw, how often can one donate blood?