In the United States, every two seconds, someone needs blood, whether it be for a surgery or an emergency.

That means that approximately 36,000 units of red blood is needed every day across the country.To meet the demand locally, Debra E. Otto, director of donor resources for Miller-Keystone Blood Center, said that the blood center needs approximately 450 donors a day to satisfy the transfusion needs of the patients in area local hospitals."One of the largest patient populations in need of transfusion are cancer patients who experience anemia and/or reduced platelet production because of chemo and radiation therapy (up to 100 units throughout the course of treatment)," she said.Because of this, blood centers are urging new and regular donors to help.But what if the supply continues to diminish and the demand continues to rise?Consider:• The crash victim who is in need of transfusions because of blood loss from injuries may die.• The new mother hemorrhaging on a surgical table after having an emergency C-section to save her baby may not live to see the child grow up.• The grandfather who required open heart surgery and requires extra blood units may not wake up.Blood donors come in all shapes and sizes who are willing to help those they may never meet. Their reasons to give vary from just because to it was a learned trait from a relative.Anita Hausman of Lehighton said that it was her grandfather, Paul Kleintop, who donated 9 gallons of blood, who was her inspiration to become a donor."For many years I donated to the Red Cross, then when I had cancer I had to wait five years of being cancer free before I could donate again," she said. "I now give to the Miller-Keystone Blood Bank. My sister who had cancer would get blood transfusions when she had cancer. That's one of the many reasons I give blood. My sister, father and grandfather all passed away from cancer."Lucinda Anthony of Lehighton said that she donates when she can and has seen firsthand where her donations have helped."Just this past year I was informed by Miller-Keystone that my blood was used to save a woman and she wanted to meet everyone that helped saved her life," Anthony said. "Knowing that, I will keep donating for as long as I can."Kelly Ann Jackson of New Ringgold said her reason is to help others."I give at least twice a year when the bloodmobile comes to work," she said. "I feel it is important to donate, if you are able, to help supply clinics and hospitals to help save a life. It's human generosity in paying it forward.""I've been giving for the last 15 years or more," Lisa Hiles of Summit Hill said. "I welcome the reminder phone call of the upcoming blood mobile in our area. I know how important these donations are and I always do what I can to help others in need. I will continue to give as long as I can God willing."David Mace of Tamaqua said that he has donated 94 units since he began donating at the age of 17 and plans on continuing."I have always thought it's a pretty easy way to serve the community, and with all of medicine's advances, there is still no substitute for blood," he said, noting that he will make his 95th donation in the next few weeks.The requirements to become a donor include being at least 17 years old, weighing at least 110 pounds and be in good health.For a complete list of eligibility, visit Miller-Keystone Blood Center's eligibility guidelines at

www.giveapint.org/donate-blood/are-you-eligible-to-donate-blood.