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And students are happy to play a part in helping their communities.

"The students at Molina High School are amazing," said Molina High School's Business Teacher and Student Council Sponsor AJ Crowell. "The school is economically disadvantaged, but this does not stop the predominately Hispanic students from coming out in full force to give blood. They know they are helping their community and saving lives. They are truly an inspiration for all."

Young donors will become more important to the blood community as current donors -- the World War II generation and baby boomers -- age. To help raise awareness of the issue among 17-to-24-year-olds, ABC partnered with the American Red Cross and AABB (formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks) to sponsor a national campaign launched in 2004 by the Ad Council, BloodSaves.

"Because of the dedication of these young people, thousands of lives are being saved thanks to this up and coming generation of blood donors," said ABC President Don Doddridge. "Whether young or old, we are asking people to continue to donate regularly. There is no substitute for blood, the gift of life."

Giving blood is safe, easy and takes only about an hour. To donate blood, one must be healthy, at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and meet other donor requirements. Those interested in donating blood are urged to contact their local blood center to schedule an appointment, call 1-888- USBLOOD, or visit AmericasBlood.org to find a local blood center or blood drive.

Citation: W Riley, et al. The United States' potential blood donor pool: estimating the prevalence of donor-exclusion factors on the pool of potential donors. Transfusion 2007.

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