Summer is traditionally a time of increased demand for blood products, and regular donation schedules are often disrupted. So UAB Hospital and the American Red Cross have a goal to collect 500 units from June 29 through July 3.

The drive takes place each day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the North Pavilion second floor atrium. Donors will be eligible for prizes each day, including trips, gas cards and golf coupons from the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.

Donors can give blood up to six times a year. Blood collection usually takes less than 20 minutes. Donors just need to present a photo ID.

Donors also are encouraged to sign up for the UAB Touchpoints donor-recognition program at www.uabtouchpoints.org.

UAB ranks in the top five of hospitals supplied by the Red Cross, making it one of the nation’s largest users of blood products. UAB’s Blood Management Initiative has reduced the need for blood products at UAB while boosting donations.