Blood is needed for emergencies, but also for people with cancer, leukemia and blood disorders.
Some people need regular blood transfusions just to live. Here in South Florida, American Red Cross needs over 450 donors a day just to meet our local usage. A single blood donation can be separated into components and derivatives used to help up to five people. Platelets are used for cancer and leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy and burn victims. Plasma is also used to treat patients suffering from burns or shock.