Giving blood is one of the best things we can do for our fellow people. If you want to be a hero in your lifetime before you die, just give blood and you will instantaneously be one. Plus, you will be hugged by all, and get free cookies.

I’ve already written ten good reasons why people should give blood if they can (I understand that some people simply cannot—and that some people who should be able to—and wish to!—are being prevented from doing so unfairly by the government), so here are some interesting facts about giving blood that you might be interested in.

Someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds. So in the time it takes you to read this article, about 150 people will need blood.

Every day, more than 38,000 blood donations are needed. You could be one of them; my daughter once was. Thankfully, we had donors who matched her blood type volunteer to give her blood, since they wouldn’t let me following her birth.

Less than 10% of the population gives blood on an annual basis. That said, it’s considered a very simple, safe process, completed with sterilized equipment and registered nurses.

94% of those who give blood are registered voters. Is giving blood patriotic, then?

Less than 38% of the population is eligible to give blood in the United States. Some of this is due, as mentioned earlier, to the government’s continuous discrimination against gay donors (whom, by the way, the American Red Cross has approved of for giving blood donations).

Of all the people who enter a hospital room, 1 in 7 will need blood.

One single car wreck victim can require as much as 100 pints of blood!

Of those who need blood, most are female. 53% of people needing transfusions are female.

People can donate blood when they are 17 years of age. In many areas, it is considered a rite of passage, similar to voting or driving a car. High schools can host blood drives in the spring so that graduating seniors—as well as some juniors—can give blood.

You must weigh at least 110 pounds to give blood. A pint is usually taken during the donation process. Every two months, you will be eligible to give blood again.

There is a simple process involved when you give blood. First, you will complete a medical history and physical. After you pass these simple procedures, you will have your blood drawn. Following your donation itself, you will get a snack (it’s free!) before leaving.