About 36,000 units of red blood cells and 7,000 units of platelets are needed every single day in the U.S. Blood donations typically drop off during and immediately after the winter holidays, which makes National Blood Donor Month in January a critical time. Donating blood saves many lives and improves health for many people. According to the World Health Organization, “blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person — the gift of life. A decision to donate your blood can save a life, or even several if your blood is separated into its components — red cells, platelets, and plasma.”