Diversity Awareness Month is days away. The American Red Cross is asking people to work toward building a stable and diverse blood supply this October, by donating and encouraging others to do the same.

The American Red Cross is also promoting giving blood as a free way to contribute to the community during the economic downturn.

“It is important for our blood supply to reflect the diversity of the American public,” said Geoff Kaufmann, CEO of the North Central Blood Services Region, in a statement released Friday.

Oct. 16: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., YMCA, 704 First Dr. N.W.

Oct. 19: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Oak Park Mall, 1301 18th Ave. N.W.

Oct. 20: noon to 6 p.m., Oak Park Mall, 1301 1301 18th Ave. N.W.

Oct. 21: noon to 6 p.m., Oak Park Mall, 1301 1301 18th Ave. N.W.

Oct. 29: 8 a.m.. to noon, Mower County Senior Citizens Center, 400 Third Ave. N.E.

There will be four blood drives in Mower County this October, but donors can also schedule appointments by calling 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visiting www.givebloodgivelife.org.

A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Eligible donors must be 17, or 16 with a signed Red Cross parental/guardian consent form, must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health.

“We want to make sure that as the holidays approach our inventory remains stable,” American Red Cross spokesperson Jill Applegate said. The American Red Cross is the largest supplier of blood products to hospitals in the United States, providing nearly half of the nation’s blood supply.

Local hospital needs are always met first, but the organization also provides relief to victims of disaster, teaches life-saving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families and helps victims of international disasters and conflicts.