Give blood, Give life.

Welcome to Give Red! This blog is for information about giving blood as well as news about blood donation and where to give blood.

Donating blood is a fast and easy way to save lives. The actual blood donation usually takes less than 10-12 minutes. The entire process, from the time you arrive to the time you leave according to the American Red Cross, takes about an hour. One donation can help save the lives of up to 3 people.

Some facts about donating blood from the American Red Cross:

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.

More than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day.

One out of every 10 people admitted in a hospital needs blood.

Sickle cell disease affects more than 80,000 people in the U.S., 98% of whom are African American. Sickle cell patients can require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lives.

More than 1 million new people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.

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

The number of blood donations collected in the U.S. in a year: 15 million (2001)

The number of blood donors in the U.S. in a year: 8 million (2001)

The number of patients who receive blood in the U.S. in a year: 4.9 million (2001) (American Red Cross)

The demand for blood transfusions is growing faster than donation. It is imperative that you and others like you make an appointment and donate blood. It only takes four steps, registration and medical history, mini-physical, donation, and refreshments. For an hour of your time, you can help save lives.

To find a donation center, visit

Give blood, give life.

Work Cited: http://www.givelife2.org/sponsor/quickfacts.asp