School of Medicine

The Pulse - June 2024

SOM Recognizes Black History Month with Special Blood Drive

I gave blood stickerThe School of Medicine’s Student National Medical Association chapter recognized Black History Month in February by reaching out to the community. The student association partnered with the Blood Center to sponsor a blood donation drive with an emphasis on the needs of the community affected most by sickle cell disease. 

One in three African American blood donors are a match for patients with sickle cell disease, who often require blood transfusions throughout their lives.

The Office of Diversity and Community Engagement supported the students and encouraged the campus community to participate in the blood drive, which was held in the Medical Education Building. Blood donors received a special t-shirt as a thank you. 

blood driveDr. Robert Maupin, Jr., associate dean of diversity and community engagement, said, “The LSU SOM Student National Medical Association (SNMA) chapter, in keeping the mission of SNMA and as future physicians, are passionate about creating opportunities to impact health disparities in our community. Their Black History month blood drive initiative was designed to both shine a spotlight on a critical need for sickle cell anemia patients in our community, and also directly contribute to providing a live saving resource thru blood donation. I am very proud of our student’s initiative for making a difference.”

 

Be the Change pinblood donation