LifesSouth is reporting an emergency need for blood donors, as the national blood shortage continues, and that has led to a special incentive on offer for donors.

LifeSouth asks donors to help by donating blood during their Back to School Blood Drive. Blood donors who give blood at any LifeSouth donor center or bloodmobile now through Aug. 8 will help summer blood shortages, save lives and receive a $20 e-gift card as a thank you for donating.

This year continues to be difficult for LifeSouth and blood centers across the country with the impact of the pandemic including a decrease in blood donations, while the need to help patients in local hospitals continues to increase.

Regular blood donors who have not given recently, as well as first-time donors, can make a major impact by donating. One donation can save up to three lives.

To find a donor center or mobile blood drive, visit lifesouth.org or call 888-795-2707.

Blood donors must be at least 17, or 16 with parental permission, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. A photo ID is required.

LifeSouth donors receive a complementary cholesterol screening with each donation.

LifeSouth is a non-profit community blood bank serving more than 125 hospitals in Alabama, Florida and Georgia, and it is the primary supplier for Russellville Hospital.

The hospital will host a drive Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and donors will receive a free T-shirt, an appetizer card from Texas Roadhouse, a free cookie dough card from Papa Murphy’s and a free meal ticket from Russellville Hospital.

Call 256-332-8676 or email deborah.lindsey@russellvillehospital.org to sign up for the Russellville drive.