Media Contacts:
Mu Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Bro. Brandon Ledyard
(704) 430-7090
blledyard@gmail.com
American Red Cross
Ashley Henyan
(843) 571-8945
Ashley.henyan@redcross.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mu Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Joins in to Support the American Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative
ROCKVILLE, MD, March 24, 2023 – One in 3 African American blood donors are a match for people with sickle cell disease. To help ensure patients have the blood products they need, the American Red Cross is working with partners in the African American community – like the Mu Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity – to grow the number of blood donors who are Black. On April 1st, 2023, 16 members of the Mu Nu chapter, who service the Montgomery County area of Maryland, will be honoring Dr. Charles Drew by donating blood at the American Red Cross Blood Donation Center on the anniversary of Drew’s death. The blood donations will occur at 11820 Parklawn Drive, Rockville from 7:45 am to 11:00 am.
“These blood donations will honor the legacy of Dr. Charles Drew who was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc and who is also known as the Father of the Blood Banking,” stated Mu Nu member Brandon Ledyard. Dr. Drew was a Washington D.C. native and surgeon who pioneered methods of storing blood plasma for transfusion and organized the first large-scale blood bank in the United States. “Since the Red Cross provides about 40% of our national blood supply, the Chapter is grateful for their partnership on this project”, Ledyard added.
Increasing the blood donor supply for diverse populations is important. According to the National Institutes of Health, rare and uncommon blood types are often found in similar ethnic populations. Therefore, having an increased blood supply from a diverse population, particularly African Americans, will allow for a closer blood match and result in patients being at a lower risk of developing complications. Therefore, the Mu Nu Chapter is honored to partner with the Red Cross to help move the needle on this vital health issue.
About Mu Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Located in Montgomery County, Maryland, the Mu Nu Chapter has served the county for over 50 years. “Uplift” is one of the Omega Psi Phi cardinal principles that best describes the impact that Mu Nu intends to have on the local community. With over 200 members, the chapter has focused on financial scholarships to high school students for college, volunteering in local homeless shelters, providing school supplies to school aged children, mentoring young males, and supporting local health initiatives.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.