A hero. Not the ones who protect and serve or the ones with super human strength. The unsung heroes. The heroes that give of themselves, and by doing so, save lives. The everyday heroes: our community's blood donors.

Most blood donors would never call themselves a hero. This year alone, blood transfusions will help to sustain the lives of more than 5 million patients.

In fact, every two seconds, someone needs blood. To these patients and their families, blood donors are truly heroes.

Inland Northwest Blood Center (INBC) is the only supplier of blood and blood products to more than 35 area hospitals. INBC relies on an average of 200 volunteer blood donors per day to ensure a dependable supply of blood. From cancer patients who receive platelets as a form of treatment to surgeries (which require red blood cells), support of INBC allows families to spend more time together, laugh longer, and create more memories.

January is National Blood Donor Month. Blood is in short supply during the winter months due to holidays, travel, inclement weather and illness. January, in particular, is a difficult month for receiving blood donations.

Blood Donor Month is a time to honor the blood donors who donate regularly, remind those who haven't been in a while, and inspire those who have never donated before.

Nearly 40 percent of the population is eligible to donate blood, but less than 5 percent actually do. From start to finish, the entire process takes about an hour for a whole blood donation. A trip to INBC includes a health questionnaire, mini-physical, the actual blood donation and then ends with snacks in the canteen.

INBC has a convenient location in Coeur d'Alene at 405 W. Neider St, as well as mobile blood drives throughout the community daily. Blood donors can leave knowing that their one blood donation has the potential to save three lives. Anyone interested in finding their inner hero can find out more about INBC and make an appointment online at www.inbcsaves.org or call (208) 667-5461.

Many people do not donate because of a fear of needles. For whole blood, the actual donation takes less than 10 minutes. Just remember that every super hero has their kryptonite, and the patients who need the blood probably aren't big fans of needles either. Give blood, save lives and find the hero in you.