We already know you’re a registered organ donor to help save and heal lives after you pass away (and if you’re not, you can do that here!) But what about something to do in the meantime? Consider donating blood!

For an organ transplant recipient to receive the gift of life from a generous donor, the transplant center needs the correct blood type to support the procedure. Thanks to the generosity of blood donors, it is rare that someone receives the call that their lifesaving transplant procedure cannot be done because the hospital does not have the correct blood type. This is a situation no one wants to experience for themselves or their loved ones.

In 2023, more than 46,000 organ transplants were performed in the U.S., according to the United Network for Organ Sharing. Every day in the U.S., patients in hospitals, surgical centers, and emergency treatment facilities need approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells.  

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood donation. Blood donation is vital for lifesaving procedures such as organ donation. Most organ and bone marrow transplants require at least a unit or two of blood, and patients who need a liver transplant may need 20 or more blood units. Your blood donation also helps organ donors and their families make decisions to save the lives of others. Organ donation would not be possible without the selfless act of blood donors who choose to give life.