The Coastal Virginia chapter is hosting a quarterly series of 1-hour virtual community education programs to increase awareness of blood diversity challenges and health disparities in our African American community. 

Wednesday, February 23, 2022 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. 

Topic: Diverse Blood Donor Symposium | Making Equity Visible in the Health Care of African Americans

Join the American Red Cross of Coastal Virginia, ODU, and EVMS for an important community conversation on the topic Making Equity Visible in the Health Care of African Americans.

Participants will gain insight on the impact, marginalization, and lack of cultural sensitivity to African-Americans in healthcare. They will also be provided with information that will assist in them being allies and advocates for their own health and the health of African-Americans. Finally, participants will be provided with ways they can lead from their respective roles in the community to promote visible equity in the healthcare of African-Americans.

Panel Guests:

• Katie Niehoff, Executive Director | American Red Cross
• Dr. LaConda Fanning, Director | Graduate Medical Education | EVMS
• Dr. Janice Hawkins, Clinical Associate Professor | ODU School of Nursing
• Rev. H. Patrick Cason, Senior Pastor, Bethany Baptist Church (Chesapeake, Virginia) | ODU Alumni
• Iris Lundy, Director, Senior Director of Health Equity | Sentara| ODU Alumni

REGISTRATION: Please click here to submit your RSVP

Past Events

FEBRUARY 25, 2021

Watch the 2/25/21 event recording.

Topic: Through his daughters' eyes - The life and legacy of Dr. Charles R. Drew, the father of blood banking

Join the American Red Cross of Coastal Virginia this Black History Month to kick-off our Diverse Blood Donor Awareness and Education Series with a conversation about the outstanding life and legacy of Dr. Charles R. Drew.

Speakers:

• Dr. Charlene Drew Jarvis, Neuroscientist, Legislator, and University President (retired)
• Sylvia Drew Ivie, J.D., Special Assistant to the President at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
• Dr. Yvette Miller, Executive Medical Officer at American Red Cross
  

Thursday, MAY 27, 2021

Watch the 5/27/21 event recording.

Topic: From segregation to transformation: Why black blood matters 

Speakers:

• Judy Anderson, Executive Director – Sickle Cell Association – Hampton Roads
• Dr. Yvette Miller, Executive Medical Officer at American Red Cross

Thursday, JUNE 3, 2021

Topic: Sickle Cell Disease Virtual Forum: Historically Black Colleges and Universities 16-Day Challenge

Join us and our distinguished panelists and guests as we bring together and encourage African American students to become lifelong blood donors.  Featuring: HBCU Battle of the Bands.  View our event flyer.

Thursday, AUGUST 19, 2021 12:00 p.m.

Watch the 8/19/21 event recording.

Topic: Health Disparities and their impact on blood donations 

Speakers:

• Dr. Cynthia Burwell, Professor & Director – The Norfolk State University Center of Excellence for Health Disparities
• Dr. Ethlyn McQueen-Gibson, Associate Professor and Director, Gerontology Center of Excellence – Hampton University School of Nursing
• CHKD's comprehensive sickle cell program physician

Wednesday, NOVEMBER 10, 2021 

Watch the 11/10/21 event recording.

Topic: A New Generation of Blood Donors: How Young People Can Impact Community Healthcare

Panelists:

• Mario Jenkins, Hospital Services Manager, American Red Cross
• Dr. Ethlyn McQueen-Gibson, Associate Professor and Director, Gerontology Center of Excellence – Hampton University School of Nursing
• Nursing Students, Hampton University School of Nursing
• Dr. Yvette Miller, Executive Medical Officer, American Red Cross
• Melodia (Mel) Harris, MBA, Donor Recruitment Manager, American Red Cross
• Youth Board Members, Coastal Chapter, American Red Cross of Virginia