I would like to, but due to having lived overseas for more than 6 months and also having been born overseas, I cannot donate. I have a fear of needles also, but I was willing to go through wth it at one time due to my grandfather being in the hospital (if you donate blood in the name for someone, it can contribute to help them bill-wise or given to them if it is a match).
My grandfather has passed on, but I thought this information would prove useful. And no matter the horror story, you can make a difference.