By Khristian Vickers, American Red Cross

This Sickle Cell Awareness Month, HBCU students across Tennessee are using their voices to encourage blood donation and educate their peers about the critical need for a diverse blood supply. 

Through the American Red Cross HBCU Ambassador Program, student leaders help promote blood donation, raise awareness about community health needs and engage their campuses in service opportunities. The program empowers students to serve as advocates while developing leadership skills and making a meaningful impact in their communities. 

For many people living with sickle cell disease, regular blood transfusions are an important part of treatment. Because donors who are Black are more likely to be a match for patients with sickle cell disease, HBCU ambassadors are helping turn awareness into action on their campuses and in their communities. 

That mission resonates with Malia Lomax of Tennessee State University, who sees her role as an opportunity to make a meaningful difference while inspiring others to give back. 

"Being an HBCU Red Cross Ambassador gives me the opportunity to make a difference in my community while encouraging others to give back," Lomax said. "I want to help spread awareness about the importance of donating blood and show people that even one donation can make a difference in someone's life." 

The belief that one person can make an impact is echoed by fellow HBCU ambassador Jordyn K. Riley of Fisk University, who focuses on helping students understand the real-life impact of blood donation. 

"I serve as an HBCU Ambassador to not only host meaningful blood drives but also spread awareness about the critical need for blood in our Black communities," Riley said. "My blood drives help students understand how their donation can save a life." 

For Ebony R. Lee of Lane College, the work goes beyond awareness. As an aspiring health care professional, she views blood drives as an opportunity to help address disparities affecting communities impacted by sickle cell disease. 

"Serving as an American Red Cross HBCU Ambassador allows me to turn advocacy into action by educating my campus and community about the lifesaving power of blood donation," Lee said. "For communities impacted by sickle cell disease, increasing the number of diverse blood donors is more than an awareness effort. It can directly impact the availability of compatible blood and the lives of patients who depend on it." 

Together, these HBCU ambassadors are helping build a culture of service while highlighting a need that extends far beyond college campuses. Through education, advocacy and blood drive engagement, they are helping people understand that a single donation can provide hope for patients living with sickle cell disease and other serious medical conditions. 

During Sickle Cell Awareness Month, their message is simple: Awareness matters, but action saves lives. 

Learn more about sickle cell disease, the importance of a diverse blood supply and how blood donors can help support patients at RedCrossBlood.org/SickleCell.