Morgan State University students partner with the American Red Cross on blood drive – CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ) – Students on the Morgan State University campus are working with the American Red Cross to raise awareness about donating blood needed for people with sickle cell disease.

WJZ has also partnered with the Red Cross to shed light on the urgent need for blood donors in the African American community.

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Fifty first-time blood donors donated Wednesday on the Morgan State University campus.

“I know there is a lack of blood donation, so I thought if I was eligible I should attend,” said Audrey Tchoufi, a Morgan State University student.

The American Red Cross action was part of the organization’s struggle to get more African Americans to donate blood that could be helpful for people with sickle cell anemia.

Sickle cell is an inherited blood disorder that primarily affects African American people. People with sickle cells could need numerous blood transfusions throughout their lives to treat their disease.

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“You never know what influence you can have on other people’s lives and stuff. So it’s always good to try to do what’s right for others, ”said Morgan State University student Kory Hayes.

During the blood drive, the American Red Cross also recognized Morgan State University for winning the organization’s HBCU 16 Day Challenge. Students at colleges across the country were asked to raise awareness of the need for sickle cell blood donors over the summer. Morgan State took first place.

“One in 13 black and African-American people has the sickle cell mark and many don’t know it,” said Meosha Hudson, Regional Diversity Account Manager for the American Red Cross. “So the challenge was an opportunity to shed light on this inequality, shed light on the need to do something about it, and activate the HBCU community to truly lead the country to make sure these patients are not forgotten.”

Homeopathic therapies like massage and aromatherapy can comfort patients, but there is no cure for sickle cells.

Back in July, WJZ first told you about the Bobbi Engram Foundation, which has also worked with the Red Cross to raise awareness of the disease.

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