As the number of people willing to donate blood has going down in recent years, the U.S. is now facing an increased demand for blood supply. Therefore, the American Red Cross has come up with a plan meant to boost the number of donors, namely they are offering free gas and other gifts to those who donate blood.

The plan is also intended to keep the high level of blood donations coming in through the summer months, as the supply usually decreases during this period of the year, because they are not able to go to high schools and recruit more donors.

A study published in the May 21 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that young donors aged 17 and 18 are the most involved in blood donations. At the same time, the rate of donations from older individuals has declined.

The new plan coming from the American Red Cross will offer those donating blood the chance to win free gas among other gifts and such. And with gas prices now exceeding $4 in some places around the U.S., the Red Cross is hoping to make more people donate blood, thus helping their peers in need.

In order to be a good donation candidate, one must meet certain criteria, including a weight of at least 110 pounds.

Also, donors are urged to drink lots of water, get a good night’s sleep and eat a nutritious meal before donating blood in order to avoid donation-related problems.