Every two seconds someone needs a blood transfusion. The Red Cross serves as the bridge between over 4 million generous blood donors and millions of patients in need each year, and serves over 3,000 hospitals throughout the United States.

Your blood donation means so much to individuals who need it. You can help make a difference to cancer patients, accident victims, premature infants, and people with chronic diseases who all need your help.

Giving blood doesn't take much time. Each blood donation has the power to save as many as three lives. But whole blood only has a shelf life of 42 days. That is why it is so important to be a regular and frequent donor. America needs to have an adequate blood supply available at all times to meet any of the challenges we might face.