Every two seconds, someone in the United States is in need of blood. Yet, only three percent of people who are eligible to donate blood actually do it. Donating blood is not only impactful but  one of the safest and fastest ways to help save lives.

When someone chooses to donate blood, the blood that they donated can help save up to three lives. Donated blood goes to hospitals, clinics, and trauma centers to be used for blood transfusions that could help save lives. An hour of your time may seem like it won’t make a difference but it could be the difference between life or death for another person.

Many people may be hesitant to donate blood because of the fear of needles and what happens when giving blood. But the process is safe, quick, and handled by trained professionals and after a small pinch it’ll be over before you know it. People who donate blood also receive health benefits, some of them being improved blood flow,enhanced immune system and early detection of health issues.

Donating blood may seem uncomfortable and even scary but the benefits of it for both you and the receiver outweigh the momentary fear. You walk away knowing you’ve helped save a life, and the receiver gains a second chance at theirs.