February is Black History Month, and in the spirit of Dr. Charles Drew, the first medical director of an American Red Cross blood bank, the Red Cross reminds eligible donors of the importance of a diverse blood supply.

Drew was strongly opposed to racial segregation regarding blood donations. Patients are less likely to have complications from blood donated by someone with the same ethnicity. Prior to transfusion, blood type and Rh factor are matched. Oftentimes additional red cell markers in donated blood must be matched, as well. Such markers are determined by ethnicity and best found in a diverse donor base.

Call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment.

Austin blood drives

•1 to 7 p.m. Feb. 3 at the Corcoran Center, 2001 Second Ave. NW

•Noon to 6 p.m. Feb. 5 at the Corcoran Center

•9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 11 at Mower County, 201 First St. NE

•9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 11 at the YMCA, 704 First Drive NW