Omega Psi Phi Blood Drive Honors Dr. Charles Drew, Supports Sickle Cell Patients

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. will be hosting a blood drive on Monday, November 15 from 10am-3pm at the American Red Cross at 510 E. Chestnut Street, Louisville, KY.

Severe pain, stroke and organ damage are sickle cell
disease complications. Transfusions provide healthy
red blood cells to deliver oxygen through the
body and unblock blood vessels. 

The blood drive honors the work of Dr. Charles Drew, the first Medical Director of American Red Cross Blood Services, and is part of the Red Cross sickle cell initiative blood drives. Patients living with sickle cell disease often face ongoing blood transfusions, and helping donate can make a lifesaving difference. That is why the American Red Cross has launched an initiative to grow the number of blood donors who are Black to help patients with sickle cell disease. The blood drive will also focus on Sickle Cell Trait Screening.

Sickle cell is the most common genetic blood disease in the US. Blood transfusion is a key treatment. Most patients with the disease are of African descent and rely on blood given by people of the same race or ethnicity.

“Partnerships with national and local organizations within the Black community are critical to building trust, sharing information, and working together to engage new donors to help save lives,” said Kevin Holston, Theta Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi.

All presenting donors will receive a $20 gift card by email, thanks to our partners at Amazon. Donors are encouraged to make an appointment by calling 1-800-RED CROSS, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or downloading the free Blood Donor App.