Hampton University News June 3, 2021 Hampton University School of Nursing will participate in American Red Cross Sickle Cell Virtual Forum: HBCU 16-Day Challenge Thurs. June 3 Hampton University's School of Nursing (HUSON) will be participating in the American Red Cross' Sickle Cell Disease Virtual Forum: Historically Black Colleges and Universities 16-Day Challenge on Thursday, June 3. The event will feature distinguished panelists and guests to encourage African American students to become lifelong blood donors. This event will also celebrate and honor Dr. Charles R. Drew, the first Medical Director of American Red Cross Blood Services. Known as the "father of the blood bank," Drew was an African American surgeon, educator, and scientist who helped shape the blood services industry. "Hampton University is always excited to partner with the American Red Cross to serve and educate our community. According to CDC estimates, Sickle Cell Disease occurs in about 1 in every 365 Black or African-American births. The information discussed at this forum is vital to helping to ensure members of our community stay healthy, especially during these uncertain times," said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey. Hampton University and 16 other Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) are joining forces to help close the sickle cell gap and encourage their alumni and student networks to support the June 2021 campaign -16 Days to Celebrate the Legacy Charles Richard Drew. Born June 3, 1904, in Washington, D.C., Drew died April 1, 1950, and was recognized as an authority on the preservation of human blood for transfusion. The campaign will be anchored by two critical dates rooted in history for the Red Cross and the Black community. The effort will kick off on June 3, the birthday of Dr. Charles R. Drew, and culminate with World Sickle Cell Day and Juneteenth on June 19, 2021. The span between the two dates will allow participating universities to focus on a messaging platform that will enable them to celebrate these days and carry on the importance of supporting the community and giving back to others by donating blood. The challenge will begin with a webinar on June 3rd at 5:50 pm. The webinar will feature Kelsey Fitzgerald, a recent Hampton University School of Nursing (HUSON) graduate, and Dr. Ethlyn McQueen-Giberon, HUSON associate professor and director of the Hampton University Center for Gerontology Excellence. Sandra M. Phoenix HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> Honor the ancestors, honor the children and those yet to come. Building Capacity for Humanities Special Collections at HBCUs - Become an ally and partner with us to protect, preserve and share a more authentic record of American history. Follow this link http://hbculibraries.org/humanities-2019.html for more information. Follow this link http://hbculibraries.org/ and click on the Donate Now button to invest in this project. Your support is appreciated. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter at https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/