Health initiatives

Improving Our Health

Health disparities are rampant throughout our society and African Americans have one o fthe worst health profiles in the country. Too often, African Americans die earlier and more often that other populations from cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes complications. Gamma Pi chapter knows how important health education and health maintenance are to improving life expectancy for African Americans.
 
That is why each year Gamma Pi chapter sponsors a communitywide Charles Drew Blood Drive and Health Fair for members of the Prince George's County community. It happens every June and hundreds of people turn out to donate blood, get cholesterol screenings, receive blood pressure checks and pick up pamphlets, booklets and other useful health, wellness and nutrition materials made available by the chapter.  Every year, the number of participants increases and many people leave the health fair with vital information that they otherwise would not get and they pass it along to neighbors, friends and other family members.

The Charles Drew Blood Drive is named for a member of Omega Psi Phi who was a noted physician, surgeon and researcher who worked in the field of blood transfusions and discovered blood plasma. The Charles Drew program is a mandated program of Omega Psi Phi and is held every June in conjunction with the American Red Cross.