Celebrate your good health by giving the gift of life to a patient in need.

World Health Day 2008 is Monday, April 7, but you can help make the world a healthier place all month long by donating blood.

Giving blood only takes about 8-10 minutes. And the entire process takes about an hour. In an hour, you can save a life!

On any given day, approximately 38,000 units of red blood cells are needed in the United States. It is estimated that every two seconds someone needs blood.

Blood transfusions are used for trauma victims—due to accidents and burns—heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, newborns and premature babies, complications during childbirth, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or other diseases, such as sickle cell disease.

If you are at least 17 years of age*, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and are in good general health, you may be eligible to donate blood. All donors need to present positive identification. For more information or to schedule your blood donation appointment, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543).

*In Illinois and Missouri, you may give blood at 16 years of age with parental consent.