EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) -
The Labor of Love Blood Drive is going on right now at the American Red Cross in Evansville.
You have until 6 tonight to donate. An incentive? All donors receive free Olive Garden.
This blood drive is titled "Labor of Love" for good reason.
"After Labor Day we often see the blood donation decline so this is the Labor of Love," said Julie Krizen with the Red Cross. "You're giving a little bit of love this labor day and helping to save lives."
The American Red Cross also encourages you to donate because September is National Preparedness Month.
"We are really hoping to amp up the supply," said Krizen. There's 19 local hospitals that depend on these blood collection days.
All blood types are needed, however, donors with type O negative, O positive, A negative or B negative are especially encouraged to donate.
In order to do so, you have to be 17, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health.
Keep in mind, if you gave in the summer you are now eligible to give blood again.
"You can donate blood every 56 days and like I said it just takes a few minutes of your time and you can save up to three lives with just one donation," said Krizen.
Statistics show that 38% of Americans are eligible to give blood but only 8% do.
"We need new donors to come out and I feel like once people come out that first time, maybe they're afraid the first time but once they come out that first time I think they'll become regular donors," said Krizen.
An appeal for blood was issued in late June which helped the decline, but Krizen says those appeals are temporary and the need for blood is constant.
You have until 6 to donate and all you have to do is show up to the Red Cross on Stockwell Road.
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