Modern advances in medicine and the skills of medical practitioners were advanced by the efforts of Bro. Dr. Charles R. Drew, a physician, member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and a pioneer in the field of blood banking. In honor of the ground breaking and life-saving work of Bro. Dr. Drew, the Brothers of Rho Xi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. have partnered with the Gulf Coast Blood Bank to conduct several blood drives throughout the fiscal year that will help save lives through the gift of blood donation. Saving lives and increasing awareness of the importance of donating blood are the main goals of the blood drives. Each unit of blood has the potential to save as many as three lives. Educating the public of the importance of donating blood, eradicating the fear of giving and reinforcing the concept that blood donors are essential to save lives. The life a blood donor saves could be their own. On April 29, 2017 Rho Xi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. partnered with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center to conduct a blood drive at Wal-Mart Supercenter in Lake Jackson, Texas. The brothers solicited donations from customers going in and out of Wal-Mart. The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center reported a total of 25 units of blood were collected. There is no substitute for blood, and more than one thousand donations are needed every day to help save lives in the Texas Gulf Coast region. That is why the Brothers of Rho Xi Chapter encourage individuals to “Commit for Life” by donating blood to help ensure a healthy blood supply is always available.
