by Donna M. Houston

Created on: December 06, 2009

Blood. Sexy, with an "ewww" factor. The mere sight of the sticky, red substance is enough to make the faint-hearted faint and the Edward Cullens' of the world salivate. In ancient Greece Hippocrates saw it as one of the Four Humors responsible for a person's state of mind, and body. In fact, Humoral Theory dictated that possessing a sanguine temperament was a direct consequence of the body's physiologic balance being tipped in favor of the vital fluid. But the need for this life-giving liquid transcends the individual: according to statistics found on the Department of Health and Human Services website, (

www.nhlbi.nih.gov) each year close to five million people in the U.S. alone need blood transfusions.

There is an ebb and flow to the exact number since unfolding events dictate true need. Natural disasters, accidents and epidemics all have an impact on a community's blood supply. The shortages circumstances create can be the impetus behind successful blood drives: The international organization AABB, www.aabb.org, (formerly the American Association of Blood Banks) reports that of the nine and a half million people who donate blood every year at least 20 percent of them are first-time donors. Obviously giving has its rewards... but who really benefits?

Blood Donors in Constant Demand

The Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org has determined that at least twenty-five percent of us will need a blood transfusion at least once during our lifetimes. The actual number increases nine percent each year - but only five percent of eligible donors give blood. In compiling data for blood supply needs the medical facility points to these on-average numbers:

*1 unit of blood is used for a hip replacement. *2 units for a cardiac bypass. *2 units for a heart transplant. *10 units for a liver transplant.

While the need for blood and blood parts may be ever-present separating the red blood cells, platelets and plasma from a single whole blood donation can triple the pay-off: up to three people can be helped this way.

The demand for plasma - which can be used to make numerous life-saving medicines - is so great that virtually every community has a plasma collection center willing to pay cash for donations. Plasma Care, www.plasmacare.com guarantees new customers up to $130 for their first four qualified donations.

Reasons to Give Blood

The American Red Cross (www.givelife2.org) has compiled a Top 10 Reasons to Give Blood List that is sure to inspire smiles:

*Reason # 6: Nobody can

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