For a second year, the South Atlantic Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) and the American Red Cross worked together to train nearly 40 members in CPR and essential first aid skills during the sorority's 72nd annual conference in Tampa.

This collaboration, which occurred during National Minority Health Month, is just one example of how AKA turns compassion into action, empowering and supporting diverse communities.

“We were so pleased to partner with AKA to help save lives and strengthen communities,” said Tracy Crooks, Red Cross Blood Services National Partnership Manager and AKA member. “We look forward to continuing to foster healthy communities together.”

Among the health disparities that disproportionately affect racially and ethnically diverse populations is heart health. More than 350,000 people suffer a cardiac arrest annually, but only 9% survive. Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anytime, anywhere, to anyone. Training more individuals to have the confidence and skills to act in an emergency can help combat these statistics and help save lives.

In addition, as part of the Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative, AKA chapters throughout the U.S. host blood drives to help increase the number of blood donors who are Black in support of patients with sickle cell disease.

Since 1908, AKA has been fueled by their commitment to be of “service to all mankind.” As the organization’s largest region, the South Atlantic Region includes 183 chapters, and more than 30,000 members from Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Special thanks to Nia Brown, AKA's South Atlantic Region partnership liaison for making this collaboration possible.

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