2. Right now, not enough people donate blood. Only 4 people out of 100 who are able to donate blood do so.

3. Any one between the ages of 17 to 76,in good health and weighing at least 110 pounds can donate. This probably means you!

4. It is absolutely safe to donate blood. You cannot get any disease from donating blood. All materials used to collect a pint of blood are new and un-used, sterile and disposable. They are used only once for your donation.

5. In the U.S., someone needs a blood transfusion every two to three seconds, and 95% of all Americans will need a blood transfusion at some point in their lives.

6. Polls show that 76 percent of Americans expect blood to be available when they need it, but 72 percent underestimate the demand for blood.

7. 4.5 million: the number of American lives saved each year by blood transfusions. 32,000 pints: amount of donated blood used each day in the United States.

8. One out of ten hospital patients needs blood

9. Count to three… …In that time someone needed blood.

10. A few more numbers to consider 1.Three: the number of lives saved by one pint of donated blood. 2.Ten pints: amount of blood in the body of an average adult. 3.One unit of blood is roughly the equivalent of one pint. 4.Blood makes up about 7% of your body's weight.

11. When you donate…. Each donation of whole blood is divided into its components Red cells, essential to carry vital oxygen to the body's tissues. Can be stored for 42 days.

12. Platelets, a clotting component needed by patients fighting leukemia and other cancers. Must be used within 5 days.

13. Plasma is the nutrient-rich fluid that travels with blood cells through the body. Fresh frozen plasma is given to patients experiencing clotting problems.

14. To learn more about blood donation opportunities, visit www.givelife.org Or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543).