January is National Blood Donor Awareness Month and it’s something we need to celebrate! Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. is in need of blood, and less than 5% of the eligible population will actually donate blood.

Here are some facts about donating blood:

  1. The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O.
  2. The blood that is used during an emergency is already on shelves before the event even occurs.
  3. Just one pint of blood can save up to three lives.
  4. Blood is usually in short supply in the winter months due to the holidays, traveling schedules, inclement weather, and illness.
  5. Donating blood is a safe process. A sterile needle is used only once for each donor and then discarded.

Make sure you donate blood if you’re able so you can potentially save a life!

Source: http://www.redcrossblood.org/learn-about-blood/blood-facts-and-statistics