>> o'donnell: earlier today we gave blood at the red cross hall of service here in the nation's capital. my blood will go to three people. donations plummeted during the pandemic, but there are covid safety measures in place-- social distancing and a mask requirement for all. >> very safe and painless. doesn't hurt at all. it was my second donation, but katie ripley is going for the first time. katie, what do you think about this effort that you're now involved in to encourage more people to go out and give blood? >> i'm really excited about it. it really feels like a concrete way to help people and do some good in a time when a lot of us fel powerless. >> o'donnell: katie is not just a donor. a blood donation saved her life after she was hit by a car when she was six years old. >> what's motivating me is knowing that i can help other people the way that i was helped. and i'm so grateful for the person who donated blood so that i could be here today. >> o'donnell: so this is your way of giving back.