The American Red Cross is announcing upcoming blood drives in February in its continuing effort to replenish blood supplies. Donar opportunities are set in Iroquois, Ford, Livingston and Kankakee counties.

PEORIA, Ill. (Jan. 15, 2014) — 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.

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.

Donors of all types are encouraged to roll up a sleeve and help save lives. Appointments to give blood can be made by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visiting redcrossblood.org.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Iroquois County
Feb. 3 from 1-6:30 p.m. at Sheldon Community Center, 104 S. Fourth in Sheldon, Ill.

Kankakee County
Feb. 6 from 12-6 p.m. at American Red Cross Kankakee, 20 Heritage Drive in Bourbonnais, Ill.
Feb. 13 from 12-6 p.m. at American Red Cross Kankakee, 20 Heritage Drive in Bourbonnais, Ill.

Livingston County
Feb. 3 from 12-6 p.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 320 S. Oak in Forrest, Ill.
Feb. 13 from 2-6 p.m. at Knights of Columbus, 108 Tremont St. in Odell, Ill.

Vermilion County
Feb. 3 from 2-6 p.m. at Community Church of God, 535 S. Bowman Ave. in Danville, Ill.