PORTLAND — The American Red Cross is encouraging eligible donors to give blood during Liver Awareness Month this October.

According to the American Liver Foundation, more than 6,000 liver transplants are performed each year in the U.S., making it the second most common transplant. Liver transplant patients may require in excess of 30 pints of blood during surgery. Volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those in need of transfusions during surgery.

Donors with all blood types are currently needed, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative. All those who attempt to donate blood during October will be eligible to win a $5,000 Visa gift card, courtesy of Suburban Propane.

To make an appointment to donate blood, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). More information on liver disease and ways to help protect against liver disease is available at liverfoundation.org.

Upcoming local blood donation opportunities include:

Ӣ Oct. 3, Cinemagic Theaters, 779 Portland Road, Saco, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

”¢ Oct. 4, Goodwin’s Mills Fire Rescue, 481 Goodwin’s Mills Road, Lyman, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Ӣ Oct. 6, Stonewall Kitchen, 2 Stonewall Lane, York, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Ӣ Oct. 7, Walmart, 1930 Main St., Sanford, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ӣ Oct. 11, Standish Town Hall, 175 Northeast Road, Standish, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Ӣ Oct. 13, Trinity Episcopal Church, 403 Main St., Saco, 1:30-6:30 p.m.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.