​​

• The Red Cross provides about 40% of our nation’s blood and blood components, all from generous volunteer donors. But supply cannot always meet demand because only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly. Each new donor helps meet patient needs

• Each year, an estimated 6.8 million people in the U.S. donate blood.

• 13.6 million units of whole blood and red blood cells are collected in the U.S. in a year.

• About 45% of people in the U.S. have Group O (positive or negative) blood; the proportion is higher among Hispanics (57%) and African Americans (51%).

• Type O negative red cells can be given to patients of all blood types. Because only 7% of people in the U.S. are type O negative, it is always in great demand and often in short supply. 

• Type AB plasma can be transfused to patients of all blood types. Since only 4% of people in the U.S. have type AB blood, this plasma is usually in short supply.

• Red blood cells must be used within 42 days (or less).

• Platelets must be used within just 5 days.

Reduce Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases

The Journal of the American Medical Association states that donors aged 43 to 61 have fewer heart attacks than those who don’t. If you’re younger than that demographic you can decrease the chances of a heart attack even further by starting to donate blood now.

​

Burn Some Calories

You burn approximately 650 calories each time you donate up to one pint of blood. Of course, you should not make this a dedicated weight loss program though. There is a recommended period of time before you can donate blood again so pace yourself.

​

Get Some Peace of Mind

Before you can donate blood, the doctors will screen you for different illnesses. You will find out if you have HIV, high blood pressure, and more. While some might have too much iron in the blood, their iron levels might be too low. You will gain some peace of mind when you donate blood because of the check-up you get along with the process.

​

Reduces the Risk of Cancer

 According to the Miller-Keystone Blood Center, blood donations help reduce the risk of cancer in the liver, colon, throat, and lungs. Cancer can attack anyone, regardless of a person’s age, so it is advisable to start battling it as soon as you can. Donate blood today and you can prevent getting cancer in the future.

​

Gives the Donor a Sense of Significance

.You are saving someone’s life by donating your blood.

People who volunteer, donate or take part in community service experience these benefits. Studies have shown that people who give tend to live healthier, happier, and even wealthier lives. You can enjoy these same benefits by going to the closest blood center to start donating blood today.

 

• Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and or platelets. 

• Approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U. S. 

• Nearly 7,000 units of platelets and 10,000 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S. 

• Less than 38 percent of the population is eligible to give blood or platelets.

• Nearly 21 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S.

• Sickle cell disease affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year. Sickle cell patients can require blood transfusions throughout their lives.

• The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 units.

• A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood.

• Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can only come from volunteer donors.

• The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O.

• One donation can potentially save up to three lives.

• According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.8 million people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2020. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.