While the fear of needles can keep many people from donating blood, that momentary pinch can help save up to three people in need of life-saving blood transfusions.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. As every blood donation can be separated into red blood cells, plasma and platelets, a single donation can go a long way in treating patients with varying needs. Blood is often needed for trauma cases, heart surgeries, joint replacements, organ transplants, premature babies, leukemia and cancer treatment.

The American Red Cross Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region needs about 600 donors to give blood products each day to help patients in about 60 hospitals across western Kentucky, Tennessee, southern Illinois and southeast Missouri.

As an extra incentive, all presenting blood and platelet donors through the end of February will be entered for a chance to win a $1,000 gift card to a home improvement store as part of the “Build a Better Blood Supply Promotion.”

People may make appointments at www.redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. People may give blood at the following locations in the coming weeks:

n Feb. 21, 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Ballard County Cooperative Extension Office, 110 Broadway in La Center.

n Feb. 21, 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1601 Main St. in Murray.

n Feb. 25, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at First Christian Church, 2515 S. Main St. in Benton.