Every three seconds, someone needs blood. Every minute, patients use more than 36 units of blood or blood products. Every day, approximately 40,000 units of blood are used throughout the country.

The demand for blood is greater today than ever as the nation's supply needs constant replenishment. An estimated eight million people donate blood in the United States each year. In the Southeast Region, 121,000 units of blood are needed to meet the needs of patients in the area.

However, many more donors are needed as accident victims, people undergoing surgery, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or other diseases such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia, all use blood. More than 23 million units of blood and blood components are transfused each year.

Despite the growing need for donors, less than 5 percent of healthy Americans eligible to give blood actually donate each year. Giving blood saves lives. Although scientists are working to develop alternatives, there are no artificial substitutes.

In declaring January 1998 to be National Volunteer Blood Donor Month, President Bill Clinton stated, “This simple act of generosity literally saves lives—bringing hope and help to millions of people across our nation. Becoming a blood donor allows all of us to give the gift of life and exemplifies the spirit of compassion and service that lies at the core of our national character.”

The American Red Cross joins the American Association of Blood Banks in saluting past and present blood donors and in soliciting new donors.

For more information on donating blood, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or 852-2910.