The 10 Selfish Reasons You Should Donate Blood

Although an estimated 38 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood at any given time, less than 10 percent of the eligible population actually do donate blood each year. Blood cannot be manufactured. It can only come from generous donors. The two most common reasons cited by those who don't give blood are "I just never thought about it," and "I don't like needles." So, to help you consider if the benefits outweigh the risks, here are our top ten reasons why the next time you see that big Blood South bus, you should stop by and make a donation.

1. Get a free mini-check up every time you donate. Find out your temperature, blood pressure, cholesterol, iron, pulse and hemoglobin with each donation.
2. You will get a free t-shirt or string bag after your donation is complete.
3. Donating blood takes less than an hour and only minor discomfort.
4. Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. That could be your neighbor, friend or family member.
5. Donating blood is a completely safe process. A sterile needle is used only once for each donor and then discarded.
6. Do you drink? Feel sluggish? Giving blood may help your liver function better. Donating blood every 56 days means your body will lose one quart of old blood and then replenish it with new blood each time. What a pick me up!
7. Information you give to the American Red Cross during the donation process is confidential. It may not be released without your permission except as directed by law.
8. A single donation can potentially help up to three people. Talk about a confidence boost. You will be a hero!
9. The Red Cross supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood supply, in 2,600 hospitals across the US…so injured people really need your donation.
10. Donating blood makes you feel really good about being able to help someone else. It is good karma and the technicians even give you get juice and cookies!