The American Red Cross and the New York Blood Center are asking donors to be part of something big by making an appointment to give blood or platelets. 

Below are some facts about why you should consider donating blood:

1. 4.5 million Americans will need blood transfusions each year.

2. Someone needs blood every two seconds.

3. Only 37% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood - less than 10% do annually.

GUIDE: What to expect when donating blood

4. About one in seven people entering a hospital need blood.

5. One pint of blood can save up to three lives.

6. Much of today's medical care depends on a steady supply of blood from healthy donors.

7. Three pints: the average whole blood and red blood cell transfusion.

8. Children being treated for cancer, premature infants and children having heart surgery need blood and platelets from donors of all types, especially type O.

9. A patient could be forced to pass up a lifesaving organ, if compatible blood is not available to support the transplant.

Click here to find a blood drive or blood donation site near you.