Almost every week, we hear about the need for more blood donations. It’s crucial. Think about someone you know needing a blood transfusion. Blood needs to be there. That’s why donors count.

Erie News Now takes you inside the Community Blood Bank in Erie, serving hospitals and medical centers in northwest Pennsylvania and into western New York for this week's Giving You the Business report. 

Grayson Siegler is only 20 years old, but knows the importance of donating blood.

"I have a reminder set for when I’m able to donate again. And I just try to get in," said Grayson. 

He says his inspiration came from his dad, also a donor. Without donors, chairs will stay empty for life-saving blood or platelet collections at the Community Blood Bank on Peach Street in Erie.

"We cover hospitals, about 17 hospitals and 7 medevac helicopters across northwest Pennsylvania and western New York," said Dee. Rosenthal, Executive Director. 

It’s an operation that’s been in the community for almost 60 years.

"We do our best to come to you," said Dee. "To come to your workplace, a community drive near you. Schools, hospitals, we have two blood mobiles that are out and about every day."

You can register ahead of time through what’s called the Quick Pass or walk in and fill out a questionnaire before a mini physical screening.

The process to donate only takes about 30 minutes, and when a blood bag is filled up, it can save up to three lives.

There’s testing for safe blood, and later packaging donations, which get stored in coolers before being driven out to locations where there are patients waiting on the supply.

"We go almost every day of the week. Almost every day," said Richard Page. "And it could be, today is one hospital, sometimes I think I did five hospitals in one day."

Richard Page is not only a driver but a super donor, honored over time for gallons of donated blood.

"I love it. It’s like I know that I’m helping people...with life," said Richard. 

There are always incentives to donate blood—from food to prizes. If you want to schedule a time online, learn more about those giveaways visit the Community Blood Bank's website.