If you’re ready, the American Red Cross wants you to donate blood this month at the YMCA in Austin and the Emergency Service Building in Grand Meadow next week.

The drive at the YMCA (704 First Drive NW) is 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, and the one at the Emergency Service Building (210 Second St. SE) is 2-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5.

October is National Liver Awareness Month and the American Red Cross reminds blood donors that organ transplant patients often rely on donated blood. Liver transplant patients often require several blood transfusions during surgery. A patient at a hospital served by the Red Cross recently underwent a liver transplant and received more than 60 units of red blood cells, 100 units of plasma and 13 units of platelets.

Liver transplants are the second most common transplant, following kidney transplants. According to the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network, 6,291 people in the United States received liver transplants in 2010.

There are a variety of ways to help protect your liver from disease. The American Liver Foundation offers some simple tips: eat a healthy diet low in fatty foods, limit alcohol intake, manage medications appropriately and limit contact with toxins. For more information, visit liverfoundation.org.

All blood types are needed, especially O negative, B negative, and A negative. Type O negative, the universal blood type, can potentially be transfused to patients with any blood type.

How to donate

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. 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 permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are generally in 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.