I’ll show you mine if you show me yours… The official blood donor card, that is!

It has been nearly decade since my first blood donation, and since then I have filled roughly eight pints and potentially saved up to 24 lives. My O-negative blood type makes me a universal donor – it can be given to patients of all blood types and thus is often used in emergencies when the blood type of the recipient is unknown. That’s one of the reasons that encourages me to step into a blood donation center every time.

When was the last time you donated blood? According to American Red Cross, one of the most common reasons people don’t give blood is because they’ve “never thought about it.” Those out there who haven’t thought about it, here are five reasons to get your healthy and young selves into a local center.

1. Several studies show that donating blood has health benefits.

It may lower the risk of heart disease, it helps replenish your blood with red blood cells and it lowers your iron levels — which is good for men and carnivores.

2. You get a free physical.

You are required to go through a series of mini-tests to ensure you are healthy and eligible to give blood. They include temperature and iron-level tests, as well as heart and blood pressure rates.

3. You find out your blood type.

It’s a good fact to know. There is never enough O-negative blood it’s a go-to type in all situations when it’s unknown. If you know what blood type you have in the time of pressing need, the doctors can match it to another group.

4. You have a chance to save up to three lives.

There is always a need for blood, but frequently-occurring natural disasters dramatically amplify that need. Plus, it’s an indescribable feeling that you might have saved a life.

5. You get all-you-can-eat cookies and juice.

To aid your body in replenishing the blood supply, centers always have snacks and juice available after the donation. Some locations offer discounts to local events, free ice cream coupons and various memorabilia.

Click here for more health benefits or here for interesting facts and statistics on donating blood.