BALTIMORE (WJZ) – Morgan State University campus students are working with the American Red Cross to raise awareness of needed blood donation for people with sickle cell anemia.

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

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Fifty first blood donors gave Wednesday on the campus of Morgan State University.

“I know there is a shortage of blood donation and so I thought if I was eligible then I should participate,” said Audrey Tchoufi, a student at Morgan State University.

The campaign, started by the American Red Cross, was part of the organization’s fight to get more African Americans to donate blood that could be of use to people with sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disease that primarily affects African Americans. People with sickle cell disease may need multiple blood transfusions throughout their life to treat their disease.

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“You never know what impact you can have on other people’s lives and things like that, so it’s always good to try and do what it takes for others,” said Kory Hayes, student at the Morgan State University.

During the blood drive, the American Red Cross also recognized Morgan State University for winning the organization’s HBCU 16 Day Challenge. College students across the country have been invited to raise awareness of the need for sickle cell blood donors over the summer. Morgan State came in first.

“One in 13 blacks and African Americans are carriers of the sickle cell trait, 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 disparity, to shed light on the need to do something and activate the HBCU community to truly lead the country in ensuring that these patients are not forgotten. . “

Homeopathic therapies like massage and aromatherapy can bring comfort to patients, but there is no cure for sickle cell anemia.

In July, WJZ first told you about the Bobbi Engram Foundation, which has also partnered with the Red Cross to raise awareness about the disease.

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