Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. is in need of blood.
Right now, the American Red Cross is experiencing blood shortages, saying they've seen a 20 percent decrease in blood supply.
The Red Cross Regional Communication Manager, Nicole Roschella shared the importance of giving blood.
Nicole Roschella told WJAC, “The Red Cross has to collect 12,500 pints of blood to be able to service all of our hospitals.”
And, right now the American Red Cross is nowhere near that donation number.
Roschella believes the lack of donations could be due to the time of year.
Families are trying to enjoy the last few weeks of summer or are busy preparing for the new school year.
Roschella explained, “we need everyone to step forward who can donate – to donate blood and platelets to avoid a blood shortage.”
When donating blood your eligibility depends on your specific medication or health conditions.
But Roschella tells 6 News most people are eligible to donate.
She adds, “It's really just specific to that persons like health history.”
Another reason to give blood, if able -- the American Red Cross is giving out prizes for each person to donate.
Roschella shares, “so, everybody who comes to donate in August will be able to walk away with a $10 gift card to the merchant of your choice, we'll just email it to you, and even more exciting maybe is the chance to win free gas for a year.”
Winning free gas she says is more than a $6,000 value just for donating blood.
The American Red Cross has blood drives around the country all the time and you're able to donate every 56 days.
More information about donating blood can be found here.