#UMBACares
The University of Maryland Black Alumni Network’s goal is to increase the number of Bblack blood donors by holding nationwide and local blood drives. We are specifically calling on my sisters and brothers of the Divine 9 to help us champion this effort.
About half of the African American community has type O+ blood, which is the most transfused blood type. Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic blood disease in the U.S. and primarily affects Black and African American individuals.
This genetically inherited blood disorder affects approximately 1 out of every 365 Black births.
Studies have shown that blood donated from someone of the same ethnicity as the patient reduces the risk of complications during transfusion. In patients who receive multiple blood transfusions, donor patient compatibility is crucial as transfusion related complications can lead to organ failure and even death.
We are committed to this cause and look forward to a successful partnership with the Red Cross.
Challenge your friends (or anyone for that matter) to a friendly competition! Who will win the battle to do the most social good for your community?
Put your virtual blood drive campaign against one or even multiple other campaigns to see who can recruit more blood donors for the American Red Cross.
