Each year 4.5 million lives are saved by blood transfusions thanks to blood donations. More than 118 million units of blood are donated worldwide every year but less than 10% of people who can donate blood will give. These repeat blood donors enjoy benefits of their own while providing their lifesaving gift. Donating blood burns 650 calories, reduces stress, provides an emotional lift and has physiological benefits. In this podcast, Dr. Mark A. Levine shares the critical importance of blood donation and how repeat donors enjoy both emotional and physical health benefits.   About Our Speaker:  Dr. Levine is an award-winning physician and lecturer with interests in health professional education, the history of medicine and community empowerment. For 14 years, he served as Chief Medical Officer at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in Denver. Dr. Levine founded the Colorado Patient Safety Coalition and served as chair of the American Medical Association’s Council on Ethical & Judicial Affairs. He received his bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine.  Dr. Levine’s father, Dr. Phillip Levine, was a pioneering hematologist who joined Ortho Products in 1944 and his breakthrough discovery of Rh factor led to advancements in hemolytic disease of the newborn and safe blood transfusions saving countless lives.