Carol is a perfect example of someone who had an emergency need and because we were able to provide the blood, she's living proof today.

In the best of all worlds, the shelves would be filled.

On a trauma case, you can easily go through 40 or 50 units before doctors can identify and stop the bleeding.

Sometimes if you make it easier for the donor, they're more likely to donate to give.

People can come in within six weeks of their surgery and donate a pint of blood which will be reserved for their surgery.

People think of giving blood as something you do in response to a national tragedy or a natural disaster. But really, giving blood is needed year round -- everyday.