Angela DeBlasio has had a fear of donating blood for more than 20 years after having a bad experience when she was a teenager.

“I tried to give in high school with my father, but I experienced a syncopal episode during the fingerstick check,” DeBlasio said. Syncope is the medical term for fainting or passing out. “I regained consciousness with multiple staff around me and my feet up in the air in the recovery position.”

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, parent company of Palmetto GBA, encouraged employees to donate blood during this time of need with the incentive of a chance to win 20 hours of paid time off. DeBlasio, now a RN Medical Reviewer III at Palmetto GBA, decided this was the perfect time to conquer her fear of donating blood.

She made her donation at the Shepeard Community Blood Center in Augusta, Georgia, and describes a much different experience than she had in high school.

“The Shepeard Community Blood Center staff were incredible,” DeBlasio said. “I was terrified of a repeat syncopal episode. My vital signs were elevated, and the staff coached me through some breathing exercises to calm me down. However, once I finished the blood draw, I cried! I couldn’t believe it!”

Now that she’s conquered her fear, DeBlasio plans on being a regular blood donor. Since her first successful donation in April, she has donated again with her husband who is a longtime blood donor.

“I cannot always give my time. I cannot always give money. But I can try to pass forward the gift of life,” DeBlasio said. “There is a critical need all of the time. Why not give to save three lives? And perhaps someday I will be in need and sincerely hope that someone matching my blood type took the time to donate.”