This month, the American Red Cross is asking you to consider donating your blood to help save a life. January is known as National Blood Donor Month, and officials say the process is easier than you may think. Brad Vivacqua joins us now from the Blood Donation Center in Liverpool.

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LIVERPOOL, N.Y. -- No matter where you live, there are plenty of opportunities across the region to make a blood donation.

The Blood Donation Center here in Liverpool is just one of the places to do it, but there are numerous drives being held throughout the month.

The American Red Cross has been recognizing Blood Donor Month since 1970 as a way to highlight the ongoing need for blood throughout the year.

The number of donations during January is typically low so you're encouraged to make a donation or learn more about the process.

There is someone who needs blood in the United States every two seconds. More than 44,000 blood donations are needed every day.

The entire process from start to finish takes just over an hour, which includes registration, a mini-physical, the actual donation, and refreshments afterward.

American Red Cross Communications Director Maureen Wellman said, "When you consider that each unit of blood can be transfused into potentially three patients, that means in about an hour of your time, you're helping to save up to three lives. I think that's a significant impact. And when you consider that every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, you're really helping out."

As an incentive to donate, this month Dunkin' Donuts is again offering it's "Give a Pint, Get a Pound" campaign. You can receive a coupon for a free pound of coffee when you donate blood at most Dunkin' locations.

For more information about upcoming blood drives or to learn more about the process, call 1-800-RedCross or visit redcrossblood.org.