According to the Red Cross, someone needs a blood transfusion every two seconds.
To meet that demand, Carter Bloodcare is constantly working to put units on its shelves.
With help from many dedicated donors, especially students, they're able to save lives.
Carter Bloodcare is hosting a blood drive at Copperas Cove High School this Tuesday and Wednesday.
Wendy Sledd is the Director of Communications for Copperas Cove ISD. She expects more than 100 students to donate blood during that time.
Hailey Hawkins, a senior at Copperas Cove High School, donated blood for the third time on Tuesday.
"The pain of this needle stick doesn't compare to the pain the patients who need my blood are in, so I would absolutely do this," Hawkins said.
Kenneth Novy, a senior at Copperas Cove High School, also donated for the third time.
He first signed up to donate to get a few minutes out of class, but after finding out that he has a special blood type, he started to give for a different reason.
"It feels a lot better than just getting out of class when you realize someone actually needs it," Novy said.
Stephanie Jardot is a recruiter with Carter Bloodcare. She said student donations make up 25 perfect of their supply.
"They're our next generation of blood donors so them seeing the importance of donating blood now will increase their chances of coming back in the future," Jardot said.
Giovanni Quiles, a senior at Copperas Cove High School, has given blood five times now.
He doesn't mind taking a few minutes out of his day to give back
"It's just a quick pinch and then it's all done," Quiles said. "I've always loved to help people and this is a great way to help."
For the last six years, Carter Bloodcare has recognized Copperas Cove High School for donating more pints of blood than any other school in their division.
They've collected 3,389 pints of blood over that period.
Students like Hawkins plan on donating long after she graduates.
"As long as I can donate, that's the goal," Hawkins said. "That little bit of pain for you is saving kids in the hospital who are in a crazy amount of pain or adults who just got in a car accident and are losing blood and it takes 30minutes out of your day to save their life."
Donations made at Carter Bloodcare are sent to more than a dozen hospitals throughout Central Texas.
Central Texas News Now will host a blood drive on Jan. 31 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Donors will receive a Dallas Mavericks shirt and a BOGO ticket voucher.
For more information on Carter Bloodcare, click here.
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