Bowie State University Department of Nursing and Alpha Gamma Xi Chapter of Sigma Hosted Sickle Cell Blood Drive

BOWIE, Md. — Bowie State University’s Department of Nursing, in partnership with the Alpha Gamma Xi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society for Nursing, hosted a Sickle Cell Blood Drive Sept. 29, attracting 58 donors and collecting 45 units of blood to support patients living with sickle cell disease and strengthen the regional blood supply. The event, in partnership with the American Red Cross, raised awareness about sickle cell disease and addressed the critical need for blood donations among individuals who rely on transfusions as part of their care.  

"As nursing professionals and educators, we have a responsibility to advocate for the health and well-being of the communities we serve," said Dr. Monique Alston, associate professor and chair of the Department of Nursing. "This blood drive provided our students, faculty, staff and community partners with an opportunity to turn awareness into action and make a tangible contribution to patients living with sickle cell disease."  

The blood drive brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members in support of individuals living with sickle cell disease. Organizers exceeded their goal, helping increase the availability of lifesaving blood products for patients who depend on transfusions. 

Bowie State University, Maryland's first public HBCU, continues to leverage its academic programs and community partnerships to address public health challenges that disproportionately affect communities of color. The initiative aligns with the university's commitment to service-learning, health equity, health advocacy, and community impact. 

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that disproportionately affects individuals of African and Caribbean descent and can cause severe pain and other serious health complications. Many patients require regular blood transfusions throughout their lives, making access to a diverse and reliable blood supply especially important.  

"The number of donors and collected units represented more than numbers; it represented an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease," said Dr. Kiyan McCormick, assistant professor of nursing and president of the Alpha Gamma Xi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society for Nursing. "The response to this blood drive demonstrated what can happen when a community comes together for a common purpose. Every donation has the potential to improve and save lives." 

The blood drive also promoted education and awareness about sickle cell disease, the importance of blood donation, and the role nurses and other health care professionals play in supporting affected communities. Through the initiative, Bowie State encouraged broader conversations about health disparities and the need to increase access to culturally diverse blood donors.  

The collaboration with the American Red Cross underscored the connection between nursing education, community engagement, and positive patient outcomes. For nursing students, the event provided a hands-on opportunity to demonstrate leadership, advocacy, and community-based care while contributing to an important public health initiative.  

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State has earned the ‘Research College and University’ designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Stacie Burgess, sburgess@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-4311