The American Red Cross Alabama and Central Gulf Coast region announced an emergency appeal period on Monday according to The Enterprise Ledger.

The appeal period will be in effect until the region’s blood inventory reaches a safe level.

According to the article, the American Red Cross supplies more than 100 hospitals in the region and is in desperate need of new donors as those that gave during drives held in June will not be eligible to give again until August.

Those that need an incentive to go in this week to give blood (though do you really need one?) should visit the regional office’s Myspace profile. There, after choosing to view the profile photos, you will find a coupon that enters you for a chance to win an iPod if you give blood on or before June 30.

As of June 15, there were no entries into the giveaway so your chances should be really good, though many would argue that’s not the main reason to be doing it.