Red Cross HBCU Ambassador Raises Awareness about Sickle Cell Disease

This Black History Month, we are honoring Black men and women whose contributions are essential to our humanitarian mission. #BlackHistoryMonth

Mikayla Lomax is a product of generational Black excellence in her family. Attending Kentucky State University (KSU), an Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Mikayla is completing her nursing degree. “My family is big on choosing HBCU’s. Everybody in my entire family has gone to an HBCU and we just believe why not support schools that are made for you?” she said.

She chose KSU because it’s close to home and the university has an excellent nursing program. Mikayla is from Indianapolis, IN. She is a proud legacy member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (AKA) and Circle K- a group providing community service and promoting campus engagement.

“[AKA] is a family tradition. All the women in my family have been a part of this sisterhood. We prioritize service to mankind and good grades. It is a lifetime commitment,” said Mikayla. She loves the close-knit family environment provided by HBCU’s. She expressed that everyone who attends a HBCU knows that you will have these connections for life. “It’s a relief to come somewhere where your blackness is celebrated,” said Mikayla.

Mikayla was selected as a scholarship recipient for the American Red Cross HBCU ambassador program. To be selected, Mikayla went through an application and interview process. She then learned more about sickle cell disease and other blood diseases. “We learned why blood donation is important and what’s required to be an ambassador…And how to put on successful blood drives,” said Mikayla.

Mikayla is managing the recruitment of blood donors for the upcoming KSU blood drive on Wednesday, February 15th. The drive is open to the public and she hopes to recruit around 35 blood donors to attend. “I enjoy getting the sign ups! I tell people about the Amazon.com gift card. [If people are nervous about donating] I tell them it’s not going to take that long and to eat well and drink water,” said Mikayla.

It's important to Mikayla to raise awareness about sickle cell disease. “Going to an HBCU, [sickle cell] mainly effects people of color. You will always come across people who are affected by the disease or have the sickle cell trait. We need to know that the best blood for African Americans comes from African Americans,” she said.

Mikayla had the values of community service and volunteering instilled in her early on. “I’ve grown up with those principles. I was in Jack and Jill of America. You get what you give out. If you’re not willing to help others, how can you expect help when you need it?” She is living out those principles daily and helping people in her community. After graduation, Mikayla hopes to go into pediatric nursing.

Wherever she goes, we know Mikayla will soar! We are thankful for her efforts in the Red Cross HBCU ambassador program and look forward to watching her grow. If you are interested in attending the upcoming KSU blood drive, go to redcrossblood.org and enter keyword: KSUFrankfort. To learn more about becoming a volunteer, go to redcross.org/volunteer.