By Rhian Lopez, American Red Cross volunteer

Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.

If you ever come across an American Red Cross blood drive, you’ll see people ensuring the need for blood is met by rolling up their sleeves to donate.

When I visited the Red Cross Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, I saw numerous donors, some of them donating platelets, others donating whole blood.

Kim, a woman who was donating platelets for the first time, expressed that she donated because she can. She stated that throughout her life she’s known many people who have needed platelets, and was glad to contribute to the cause.

On the other hand, fellow platelet donor Pedro-Enrique mentioned that he was here because his friend (who was on a nearby donor bed) was also donating platelets. While he has never personally known anyone who has needed platelets, he willingly joined his friend to help those whom he may never meet.

Donating whole blood was a mother and daughter pair, Elaine and Elaina, who both voiced how they have been donating to the Red Cross for a few years. It was inspiring to hear how casually they mention their donation efforts; their once-in-a-while visits to the donation center help someone in need.

It’s not only the donors who contribute to the Red Cross, but the staff and volunteers. At the check-in counter was Linda, a volunteer who recently began dedicating time to the Red Cross again. Her efforts ensure donors have a great experience.

These are a few examples of the many community volunteers that are stepping up daily to help ensure hospital patients have the blood products needed. To help save lives schedule a blood or platelet donation by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).