Some of the biggest reasons to give blood are: 

• About 36,000 units of red blood cells and 7,000 units of platelets are needed every single day in the U.S.
• The most requested blood type by hospitals is type O. This kind of blood can be transfused to patients of all blood types, so it’s always in great demand and very short supply. Only 7% of people in the U.S. have type O.
• A single car accident victim may need up to 100 pints of blood to survive.
• About 6.8 million people donate blood every year in the U.S.
• 38% of our population is eligible to donate, but less than 10% actually do.
• Donating blood is a simple, safe process. All you have to do is register, take a mini medical history test, donate, and then accept free refreshments like water, Gatorade, granola bars, etc.
• A single donation from a single patient can help more than one person.

_{Source: Red Cross}