Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood, approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U.S. Yesterday, we traveled as a team to a Red Cross Blood Drive at the Jewish Family and Children's Services in Waltham, Ma. Rani, our Marketing Director, and Jeff, our Operations Manager, donated.

Here are some helpful tips from the Red Cross to get ready for your donation:

• Make an Appointment: It always helps us to know in advance when you are coming in to make a donation. Find blood drives near your home or work.
• Hydrate: Be sure to drink plenty of fluids on the day of your donation.
• Wear Something Comfortable: Wear clothing with sleeves that can easily be rolled up above the elbow.
• Maintain a Healthy Level of Iron in Your Diet Before Donating: If possible, include iron-rich foods in your diet, especially in the weeks before your donation. Iron-rich foods include beef, poultry, eggs, tuna, kale, spinach, enriched pasta, whole wheat bread, strawberries, and even tofu. See the full list.
• Bring a List of Medications You Are Taking: The Red Cross will need to know about any prescription and/or over the counter medications that may be in your system.
• Bring an ID: You will need either your donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification.
  Relax! Blood donation is a simple and very safe procedure so there is nothing to worry about.

Learn about the benefits of giving blood, and find a blood drive in your community!