Blood Donation Facts

According to the National Blood Data Resource Center (NBDRC):

• about 13.9 million units of whole blood are donated in the United States each year.

• Approximately eight million volunteer blood donors provide blood for about 4.5 million patients per year.

• There is a great need for blood:  on any given day, an average of 34,000 units of red blood cells are needed.

• Blood transfusions often are needed for trauma victims — due to accidents and burns — heart surgery, organ transplants, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or other diseases, such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia.*

 

Visit the American Association of Blood Banks for information on donating blood and blood banks in your area. 

 

*Information taken from the American Association of Blood Banks' website.