What’s better than the annual Dr. Charles R. Drew Memorial Blood Drive? Two of them.
The Gammu Mu Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. will hold the third annual Dr. Charles R. Drew Memorial Blood Drive in New Castle County, Delaware in mid-August in conjunction with Blood Bank of Delmarva. The drive has become a focal point toward BBD’s efforts to increase genetic diversity in the donor pool.
And, new this year to BBD is the Omega Psi Phi, Psi Iota Chapter, which has organized the Dr. Charles R. Drew Memorial Blood Drive set for early August in Kent County, Delaware.
Both chapters are following the mandate set nationally by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. to hold blood drives in honor of Dr. Drew, who belonged to this prestigious fraternity.
” As a nurse, I recognize the critical importance of maintaining a sufficient blood supply for various medical procedures,” said Terence Gavin, coordinator of the blood drive in Kent County. “Therefore, it is our duty to do our best to help with this shortage.”
Gavin is working with BBD Account Manager Ralph Groves to fill all 29 appointments for their inaugural drive, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 3 at 1406 Forrest Avenue, Dover, DE 19904.
“I am a nurse and I know the importance of blood supply for dialysis, surgeries, or transfusions,” he said.
Click here to sign up for this blood drive or call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8.
As for the New Castle County blood drive, Garrett held a kick-off meeting on Monday, July 8 to begin planning. The drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 17 at the Boys and Girls Club, 109 Glasgow Dr., Newark, DE 19702. Please click here to sign up for this drive.
“We have secured the food and are finalizing a few other items like bounce houses, backpacks/supplies for back-to-school giveaways, participating step teams, and other items,” Garrett said.
Garrett hopes to draw 55 donors this year. The drive brought out 36 donors in 2022 and 26 in 2023.
“The goal to increase African American donors is of critical importance,” he said. “Firstly, donations from all segments of the population are needed. But to best combat diseases like sickle cell, transfused blood must be closely matched in order to help reduce complications. Given the incidence of sickle cell in the black community and the low blood donation percentages, every black donor has the ability to make a significant impact.”
Garrett was the first winner of BBD’s Dr. Charles Drew Lifesaver Award in February.