Every two seconds, someone in the U.S needs a transfusion of red blood cells. Every 15 seconds someone in the U.S. needs a platelet transfusion. But not just any blood will do. For a successful outcome, the donor and the patient must have compatible blood types. For more information on what blood types are compatible download the blood compatibility chart here.
Recent studies show that there is a need for blood transfusions every 2 seconds. The average person can only donate 1 pint of whole blood in a single donation and the shelf life is 42 days, which is why the need to keep replenishing the supply to meet demands is great. 38% of the population in the United States are eligible to donate blood, but only 3% of us actually donate.