Pi Phi Chapter Blood Drive: Saving Lives

By GARY J. LEWIS

Each year on the first Saturday in June, Pi Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in conjunction with the Blood Center of the Carolinas, holds the Annual Dr. Charles R. Drew Community Blood Drive and Health Fair, which is the second largest in the Charlotte area behind the Carolina Panthers.

Vital, lifesaving blood plasma is donated and collected to benefit the citizens of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community. Every year the total numbers vary, but Pi Phi Chapter’s Blood Drive consistently collects between 80-100 units of usable blood plasma which is used in operating rooms, emergency rooms, blood transfusions and to help in the treatment of diseases that affect African-Americans at a higher rate such as sickle cell anemia, heart and kidney diseases.

The impact of this blood drive cannot be overlooked because the blood donations come primarily from African-Americans. Though donor-to-recipient compatibility is not based on ethnicity, blood that more closely matches the patient’s background is less likely to be rejected.

Pi Phi Chapter’s blood drive is of course open to the public, however it is centrally located and serving a predominantly African-American population which is significant because African-Americans donate blood at a much lower rate, causing shortages at the blood banks and hospitals that support primarily African-American communities.

The blood drive also serves as a health fair giving health evaluations for high blood pressure, diabetes and even a body mass index. All of these metrics help to give better indicators for a prolonged and healthier life.

When detected early diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure can be treated and in most cases controlled with medicine, diet and exercise. Some of the organizations that volunteer personnel and resources are C.W. Williams Community Health Center, NOVANT Health, and PACE of Southern Piedmont.

Pi Phi Chapter also uses this as an opportunity to partner with other Greek lettered organizations to impact the community. One such volunteer organization is the Alpha Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. who every year, provides volunteers to help support the donors after they have given blood and the work staff.

The blood drive is named for an Omega man, Dr. Charles R. Drew, who was a renowned physician, scientist and inventor that developed the process of separating and dehydrating blood plasma so that it could be stored for later use. His discovery was first used during World War II saving thousands of lives. Today, his ground breaking research has saved millions and impacted the science of medicine, blood plasma and blood transfusions.

Pi Phi Chapter is one of the largest chapters in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. boasting well over three-hundred members. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is a fraternal and service oriented organization, founded in 1911 on the campus of Howard University, adopting the motto: “Friendship is Essential to the Soul.” The fraternity has chapters located all over the world, each charged with making a difference, serving and impacting the community in a positive way. Pi Phi Chapter continues the legacy of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. by producing community service projects like the Dr. Charles R. Drew Community Blood Drive and Health Fair, and countless other service projects. Pi Phi Chapter’s Basileus (President) is Rayshion Sashington.