Come out and support the Red Cross of RI! FAST FACTS RE: BLOOD DONATIONS 200 people are needed to donate blood every day in RI to meet the needs of patients at local hospitals. Cancer patients need more blood transfusions than any other group. Blood components do not last long. In fact, one component, platelets, are only good for 5 days. Who needs platelets? People battling cancer, those in bad accidents, patients undergoing surgery – to mention a few groups. Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion. 38% of us are eligible to donate blood, but only 5% do. The need for new, healthy blood is constant. There is no substitute for human blood. Not sure if you can donate, please call 453-8307 to check!! Thank you for your time, support and consideration.