The American Red Cross says there is an urgent need for blood and platelet donors. Donated blood is used to help people who have:

• Cancer.

• Sickle cell disease.

• Chronic diseases.

• Injuries from accidents or fires.

It's also used in lifesaving procedures, such as heart surgeries and organ transplants. In addition, blood donors who have fully recovered from COVID-19 may have antibodies in their blood plasma. Their blood could help seriously ill COVID-19 patients.

There's no evidence that the coronavirus can be spread by blood transfusion, and blood centers are taking extra steps to protect donors and staff from the virus.

Here are ten facts you should know about this lifesaving act:

1. Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.

2. A donation equals about 1 pint of blood and usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes to draw.

3. A single car crash survivor can require as many as 100 pints of blood.

4. The average adult has about 10 pints of blood in his or her body.

5. Type O blood is the most needed for donation because it can be used in people with all blood types.

6. All donated blood is tested for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and other infectious diseases.

7. You can donate either whole blood or specific components of blood: red cells, platelets, plasma and cryoprecipitate.

8. Most donated red blood cells must be used within 42 days after they're collected.

9. Donated platelets must be used within five days of collection.

10. One donation can potentially save up to three lives.

Source: American Red Cross