Much like Lionsgate’s blood drives done in conjunction with the Saw films, AMC and the American Red Cross have joined forces to raise awareness about the constant need for blood. In the event of a natural disaster or even a zombie apocalypse, it’s the existing blood supply that will help save lives. In the following press release, they also confirm that AMC will definitely be moving forward with a fourth season of “The Walking Dead,” even though Season 3 kicks off next month. That’s dedication!

“The American Red Cross Zombie Blood Drive” campaign kicks off September 24 and runs through October 22. It draws attention to this important cause through celebrity support from stars like Peter Jackson, The Black Keys, Joel Madden, Mena Suvari, Aisha Tyler, NASCAR’s Kurt Busch and EXTRA’s Maria Menounos, among others. Each celebrity will be “zombie-fied” through digital portraits created by “The Walking Dead’s” own special effects make-up guru Greg Nicotero.

As part of the campaign, the “zombie-fied” celebrity photos will run on-air in a custom Public ‘Zombie’ Announcement (“PZA”) on AMC and online at the network’s dedicated campaign micro-site, www.amcgiveblood.com. The PZA reminds viewers to use their brains and give blood through the Red Cross.

AMC is also organizing a special sweepstakes to thank those who support blood donation through the Red Cross. The grand prize is a visit to the set of “The Walking Dead” in Atlanta, Georgia. Details are available at Amcgiveblood.com (this is where Season 4 is confirmed).

Participating Celebrities: Peter Jackson, The Black Keys, Joel Madden, Mena Suvari, EXTRA’s Maria Menounos, Jimmy Smits, Laird Hamilton, NASCAR’s Kurt Busch, Aisha Tyler, Elisabeth Rohm and Whitney Port

Donate Blood: Visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for more information or to schedule a blood donation appointment. All blood types are needed to ensure the Red Cross maintains an adequate blood supply. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 in some states with completed parental consent form). Certain height and weight restrictions apply to donors 18 and younger.