In case you didn’t know, January is National Blood Donor Month! So, if you’re thinking of giving blood, now is the time. It’s a great way to help those in need and it’s also a very fulfilling experience. Plus, you get free cookies and juice after donating 🙂 If you’re interested in learning more about blood donation or finding a donor center near you, keep reading. I’ll share some useful information below!

Here are the facts:

• Whole blood is the most common type of donation.
• Blood from one donation can be divided into two components: red blood cells and plasma.
• The average adult has about 10 pints of blood, but a typical whole-blood donation is only 1 pint.
• Red blood cells have a short shelf life. They only last for 6 weeks (42 days).
• Donating whole blood takes only about 10-15 minutes.
• You can donate whole blood every 56 days—and we encourage you to donate as often as possible.
• The average red blood cell transfusion is 3 pints (or 3 whole-blood donations).
• More than 1 million people every year are diagnosed with cancer for the first time. Many of them will need blood—sometimes daily—during chemotherapy.
• More than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day.
• Type O-negative whole blood can be transfused to people with any blood type, but this type of blood is rare, and supplies of it are low.
• Type AB plasma can be transfused to patients with all other blood types, but it’s also in short supply.
• While 38% of the American population is eligible to give blood, only 2% actually donates.

Click here to find out where to donate blood near you!