Loretto Hospital hosted its 12th annual blood drive on Friday, July 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the sixth floor of the hospital, welcoming donors from Chicago’s Austin community and surrounding neighborhoods. The event was presented in collaboration with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Nu Pi Chapter) and Versiti Blood Center of Illinois.
The blood drive sought to address a critical and ongoing need for blood donations within the African American community. One in three African American blood donors is a match for patients with sickle cell disease. This is a profound statistic that underscores the life-saving role Black donors play. Additionally, 51% of African Americans have Type O blood, compared to 45% of Caucasians, making their donations especially vital to maintaining an adequate blood supply for patients across Chicago.
“Historically, deep-rooted disparities and systemic mistrust have impacted healthcare access and blood donations in our communities,” said Tesa Anewishki, President and CEO of Loretto Hospital. “Loretto Hospital stands committed to actively breaking down those barriers. By bringing this annual drive directly to the West Side, we are empowering our neighbors to champion healthcare equity and ensure that sickle cell patients receive the compassionate, life-saving care they deserve right here in their community.”
The event continues to draw strong support from local leaders, including the brothers of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity’s Nu Pi Chapter, who helped coordinate the drive and encourage local participation.
“Omega Psi Phi has a deep legacy of giving back, and participating in this blood drive is one of the most direct ways we can serve our community,” said Demarco Hughes, President of the Nu Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. “Sickle cell disease disproportionately affects Black Americans, and we have the opportunity to address it. We encourage every member of our community to consider donating.”
The partnership between Loretto Hospital, Versiti Blood Center of Illinois, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity reflects a shared commitment to closing the health equity gap in Chicago’s underserved communities. By bringing the blood drive directly into the Austin neighborhood, the organizations aimed to reduce barriers to donation and build a culture of community solidarity around healthcare.
