Why donating blood is a GOOD thing

Below is the letter received from the Red Cross.  I'm blessed with O-Negative, so, I can help more people.  Donating is a very small part of anyone's day and it doesn't hurt.  If you're not already a donor, PLEASE consider it.  Thanks!!!

Dear Robert:

Thank you for giving blood with the American Red Cross on 1/31/2013. After first ensuring local needs were met, your double red cell donation was sent to St.-Elizabeth Health-Center in Youngstown, OH and Trumbull Memorial Hospital in Warren, OH to help patients in need. Your donation is on its way to changing lives!

Every day, patients receive blood for a variety of conditions including life-threatening illnesses, blood disorders and traumas. Your blood donations are critical to helping save patients' lives.

On behalf of the hospitals and patients we serve, thank you for being a Red Cross blood donor.

Sincerely,

Richard Benjamin, M.D., Ph.D.
Chief Medical Officer
American Red Cross

Can You Help Me NOW?!?

I just received a pamphlet from the American Red Cross, in conjuction with my Donor Membership Card. According to the info within:

Only 5% of eligible U.S. population actually donates blood
Only 30% of 1st time donors come back a 2nd time
1 donation can save up to 3 lives

Every 2 seconds, someone in America needs blood

The need is critical

Will it be there when YOU need some?