Just as Red Cross volunteers from across the country converge to help during major disasters, donated blood may help save lives, wherever that may be. The stability of our nation’s blood supply is in the hands of thoughtful, dedicated volunteer blood donors who understand that healthy people should give blood for patients in need.

Under normal circumstances, approximately every two seconds someone in America will need a blood transfusion. Blood is a perishable product with a shelf life of only 42 days and platelets just five days, so it must be replenished constantly – there simply is no substitute.

Blood transfusions can be used for trauma victims – due to accidents and burns – heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, premature babies, when there are complications during childbirth, and for patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or other diseases, such as sickle cell disease.

Donors need to be at least 17 years of age, 16 in Nebraska Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and Illinois with a signed Red Cross parent/guardian consent form, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health to donate. Eligible donors can call 1.800.GIVE.LIFE or go online to givebloodgivelife.org for more information and to make a blood donation appointment.

We all expect blood to be there for us, but barely a fraction of those who can give do. Yet sooner or later, virtually all of us will face a time of great vulnerability in which we will need blood. And that time is all too often unexpected. From its beginning, the American Red Cross has formed a community of service, of generous, strong and decent people bound by beliefs beyond themselves. The honor, spirit and resources of the American people comes forth with neighbors helping neighbors in need - during earthquakes, floods, fires, storms - and also for the deeply personal and often quiet disasters that require a gift of blood.

To find out where you can donate, visit www.givebloodgivelife.org or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543).