Partners in Service - Iota Phi Theta

The American Red Cross is proud of the support we receive from the members of Iota Phi Theta. Since 2015, our organizations have worked together to serve diverse communities across the nation. Together we’re increasing blood donations from African-American donors as well as engaging with local communities in volunteerism and goodwill.

Here are some ways Iota Phi Theta and the Red Cross can continue to join forces to improve our communities. If your region or chapter would like to get involved, we invite you to follow the links provided in each section. Our dedicated partnership managers will be delighted to hear from you.

Studies show that African American, Native American and Latino communities are the leading at-risk communities for accidental home fires. The Red Cross Home Fire Campaign aims to reduce death and injury from home fire by 25% by 2020. Hundreds of lives have been saved, but we still have far to go. 

Individual Action

Did you know that if a fire starts in your home you may have as little as two minutes to escape? Test your fire safety savvy, then get prevention and preparation tips and make and practice your escape plan.

Drowning is a leading cause of death for children in the United States and African-American children are disproportionately affected. Research shows 64% of African-American children have little to no swimming ability – and of these children, 78% have parents who have no/low swimming ability¹.  For these families a carefree day at the beach, pool or lake can too easily end in tragedy. 

That’s why it’s so important that we all learn how to be safe in and around water, and encourage our families, friends and neighbors to be water competent. The Red Cross is tackling this goal with our Centennial Campaign, marking our first 100 years of swimming safety education.  We are working with our training partners to teach 50,000 more people in 50 at-risk cities how to swim, and urging people in every community to make sure that they and their families can swim.

1. USA Swimming Foundation study through the University of Memphis and University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 2017

Individual Action

Check your family’s water competency by watching this video. Can you say “yes” to all 5 skills? If not, sign up for a Red Cross swimming or water safety course.

More than 2 million people receive Red Cross blood transfusions each year. Some of them require a closer blood match than that provided by the basic ABO positive/negative blood typing that we’re most familiar with. For example, if the donor and recipient are from the same ethnic background the chance of certain negative reactions to the transfusion may be reduced. This can be especially important to patients with sickle cell disease who rely on frequent blood transfusions. Since most sickle cell patients are of African descent, blood donation from African-Americans will typically provide their best match.

Individual Action

Your blood donation is always welcome. One donation can help save up to three lives! Schedule your donation at RedCrossBlood.org

90% of the work of the Red Cross is done by volunteers. Iota’s commitment to community service means your members are ideally suited to engage in the Red Cross mission through volunteering.  Their specific skills, unique talents and valuable time can help us build community resiliency and save lives. Our local chapters all offer a wide variety of volunteer activities that touch all aspects of Red Cross service, from emergency preparedness education and disaster relief to blood drives and helping military families. All necessary training will be provided by your local Red Cross chapter. 

Individual Action

Individual volunteers are always welcome, too. Explore local volunteer opportunities.

The Pillowcase Project, sponsored by Disney, is a preparedness education program for grades 3 – 5 that teaches students about personal and family preparedness and safety skills, local hazards, and basic coping skills. Volunteer trainers lead students through a “learn, practice, share” framework to engage them in disaster preparedness and survival skills. Upon completion, students receive a sturdy pillowcase in which to build their personal emergency supplies kit – carrying what they’ve learned back home to keep spreading the knowledge. 

Individual Action

Are you an elementary educator or the parent of an elementary-aged child? Learn about the Pillowcase Project and request a presentation for your school.

Health emergencies can happen to any of us, at any time. Knowing how to provide first aid, CPR, or operate an AED buys precious minutes until the first responders can arrive. The Red Cross offers training in these and other lifesaving skills, enabling each of us to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.  

Individual Action

We offer a wide range of courses online, in-person and in between. Sign up to learn a lifesaving skill like First Aid, CPR or AED today.

The Red Cross has a wide range of engagement opportunities that Iota members may find interesting. Here are a few additional ideas you can share with them.