The American Red Cross will host a blood drive to encourage donations during Liver Awareness Month for October.

The drive is noon-6 p.m. Oct. 9 in the Holmes Student center. Blood types O-negative, A-negative and B-negative are “especially” needed, according to a news release from the American Red Cross.

Donors will be eligible to win a $5,000 Visa gift card.

The drive is used to promote Liver Awareness Month. More than 6,000 liver transplants are performed every year in the United States, and transplant patients may require more than 30 pints of blood during their surgeries, according to the American Red Cross.

A blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of ID will be required at check-in. Participants must be 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in “generally good health” to be eligible to donate, according to the American Red Cross.

To make an appointment to donate blood, go to redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.