Every week or two the News Journal runs information about an upcoming local blood drive. Clinton Memorial Hospital and Community Blood Center are celebrating January National Blood Donor Month with a blood drive Friday, Jan. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the CMH Regional Health System cafeteria at 610 W. Main St.

Every two seconds, someone needs blood, and the American Red Cross has to collect about 14,000 pints of blood each day in order to meet the needs of our hospitals.

According to the Red Cross:

• Approximately 41,000 blood donations are needed every day.

• A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood.

• Nearly 21 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S.

• It is estimated that sickle cell disease affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year. Sickle cell patients can require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lives.

• More than 1.6 million people were expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2015. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.

Donating blood not only helps with the nation’s blood supply — the process includes a mini physical to check your pulse, blood pressure, body temperature and hemoglobin.

Donating blood is a simple thing to do, but can make a big difference in the lives of others. The donation process from the time you arrive until the time you leave takes about an hour. The donation itself is only about 8-10 minutes on average.

Everyone who registers to donate at the Jan. 15 blood drive at CMH will receive a “Make Your Resolution Stick – Give Blood” mug. Donors should schedule an appointment online at www.DonorTime.com or call 1-800-388-GIVE. Learn more at www.GivingBlood.org.

Make the commitment to donate. A little of your blood may go a long way toward saving a life.