Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. That's a lot of blood. But only 5% of the eligible US population donates blood in any given year. Healthy donors are the only source of blood. Currently there is no substitute.

Blood is needed for emergencies and for people who have cancer, blood disorders, sickle cell, anemia and other illnesses. Some people need regular blood transfusions to live.

Imagine if giving blood was part of everyone's life. Something you did on a regular basis, like eating at your favorite restaurant. What kind of difference would that make? For nearly 5 million people who receive blood transfusions every year, your donation can make the difference between life and death.

21,000 times a day, someone receives a blood transfusion from a Red Cross donor.

Giving blood is simple and convenient: here are the top 10 reasons to give:

• You will get free juice and cookies.
• You will weigh less — one pint less when you leave than when you came in.
• It's easy and convenient — it only takes about an hour and you can make the donation at a donor center, or at one of the many Red Cross mobile blood drives.
• It's something you can spare — most people have blood to spare... yet, there is still not enough to go around.
• Nobody can ask you to do any heavy lifting as long as you have the bandage on. You can wear it for as long as you like.
• It's your badge of honor.
• You will walk a little taller afterwards — you will feel good about yourself.
• You will be helping to ensure that blood is there when you or someone close to you may need it. Most people don't think they'll ever need blood, but many do.
• It's something you can do on equal footing with the rich and famous — blood is something money can't buy. Only something one person can give to another.
• You will be someone's hero — you may give a newborn, a child, a mother or a father, a brother, or a sister another chance at life. In fact, you may help save up to three lives with just one donation.
• It's the right thing to do.

Find out how you can donate blood today by locating a blood drive near you, or scheduling a time to stop by the Lansing Donor Center. Businesses and organizations can also call Natalie McIntyre at 517-702-3342  to aid in the collection to save lives.