Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood. That's a lot of blood.
But only 5% of the United States eligible donors gives in any given year. In New Jersey, only 2.5 percent donate.
The Tri-County Red Cross is dedicating itself to improving that percentage, and ensuring that there is blood available for every day, whether it's for an elective surgery or after a major disaster.
Blood is needed for emergencies and for people who have cancer, blood disorders, sickle cell, anemia and other illnesses. Some people need regular blood transfusions to live.
Please consider hosting a blood drive for your church, at your business or in your community. The more drives we hold, the more blood we collect and the more lives are saved. Call Victor Webb at 908-756-6414 or webbv@usa.redcross.org to learn about donating blood or hosting your own blood drive.
Imagine if giving blood was part of everyone's life. Something you did on a regular basis, like eating at your favorite restaurant. What kind of difference would that make? For nearly 5 million people who receive blood transfusions every year, your donation can make the difference between life and death.
From May 23, 2008 to September 30, 2008, the American Red Cross Penn-Jersey Blood Services Region will raffle a $50 gas card to one lucky person every day.
