Organizing a blood donation with just 10 people, can help save upto 30 lives. Each unit of donated blood can be used for at least three life-saving purposes.

*Red blood cells are used for surgery, kidney dialysis, and to treat anemia.

* Plasma is used to treat burn victims and patients in shock.

* Platelets are used for surgery, and to treat leukemia, as well as other forms of cancer.

Another component of blood, the Cryoprecipitate can be used as a clotting protein for hemophiliacs.

Many say they do not donate blood because no one asked them. So it is better to promote awareness and ask people to donate blood by organizing Blood Donation Camp. Organizing a blood donation drive is the easiest way for you to save the most lives, every 8 weeks.

* Organize a blood drive at your office, apartment building, or place of worship.

* Organize a blood drive at a local high school or college. Students may start donating blood at age 17 (or as young as 16 in some states). Getting young people involved in blood donation from an early age can help make them blood donors for life.

Enlist the help of student government officials or service club members to recruit classmates, teachers, support staff, and parents to donate blood.

* Create a group of friends, neighbors, or co-workers to regularly visit a local blood donation center together to donate blood . By being committed to a group, blood donors are less likely to "chicken out" or to forget to make a blood donation.

Remember that you can donate blood every 56 days.