The Omicron Mu Mu graduate chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., will host a community blood drive on March 22. The drive will take place at 1464 West 115th St., from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at a community center owned and operated by the fraternity’s Rho Gamma Gamma chapter.
The fraternity has a long history with blood drives. There are more than 10 Omega chapters in the Chicagoland area, with each hosting at least one blood drive a year. The inspiration comes from Dr. Charles R. Drew, an Omega Psi Phi member who pioneered modern blood banking practices.
“We are looking for at least 20 to 25 individuals to fill our slots, but if we can get more people to come in, getting to 40 quarts, that’ll be a fantastic day — a great day,” said Donald Owens, keeper of records and seal for the Omicron Mu Mu chapter.
For Owens, the day is less about honoring the memory of Dr. Drew, but more about fulfilling the need for blood in the Black community. “One thing that we don’t know is that a lot of African Americans, like one out of 350, actually live with sickle cell,” Owens told The TRiiBE.
Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited blood disorders causing red blood cells to become hard, sticky, and crescent shaped. These rigid cells block small blood vessels, restricting oxygen flow, which causes severe pain, chronic anemia and organ damage.
Owens says with the blood collected, they can help community members who suffer from sickle cell when their own blood is no longer sufficient.
“You are the individual who has the ability to help somebody else out in need. You have no idea who might need this. You have no idea the impact on the life of the person who might need this,” Owens said.
Owens is a middle school math teacher, who also participates in Omega Psi Phi’s district-level fatherhood and mentorship program. “I help other chapters build and run their mentorship programs, and figure out ways to uplift fathers and to highlight fathers throughout the year,” he said.
The fraternity’s service work, from mentorship to blood drives, is rooted in a long-standing commitment to community uplift. Founded in 1911 at Howard University, the Omega Psi Phi has historically organized service initiatives focused on education, health and civic engagement in Black communities.
“Our cardinal principles are manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift,” said Owens. “Our first cardinal principle, manhood, we need to make sure that as men, we are taking care of our community, making sure our community members are healthy, making sure our community members are in top shape,” he said.
Owens says the blood drive is just one example of how the chapter tries to respond to community needs throughout the year. In addition to health initiatives, the fraternity organizes mentorship programming, educational support and family-centered events designed to strengthen the community.
“This is just one of the many events that we host. Just keep looking out for more activities and more events. We do have a huge Father’s Day event coming up,” he told The TRiiBE. The projected date for the event is June 20 at Washington Park, and will include music, food, games, and wellness checks as well as vendors for fathers.
For Owens, the most important thing is getting people through the door to donate. He says even a small turnout can make a meaningful difference for people relying on life-saving blood transfusions.
“Somebody is going to need you to donate your blood so that they can be healthy and that they can live on and have a successful life,” Owens said. “Because you never really know where this blood is going to go, and how it’s going to impact somebody’s life for the future.”
