SIGMA RHO

On November 15, 2022, the Brothers of Sigma Rho partnered with the Ann Arbor Community Center providing Thanksgiving Food Baskets to families in Ann Arbor, MI.

Thanksgiving can be burdensome for families as they may not always have the additional resources. In an effort to relieve this burden and uplift families in our community during the holiday season, the Brothers of Sigma Rho donated turkeys, canned goods, and other food items for distribution. Brothers not only donated, but were boots on the ground checking in families and loading up cars with baskets while spreading the enthusiastic spirit of Omega. With the help of the Ann Arbor Community Center, Brothers were able to provide enough food to feed over 100 people.

The following day, November 16, 2022, the Professional Men of Sigma Rho Chapter led by Bro. J. M. White, held the second annual Dr. Charles R. Drew Blood Drive to benefit the American Red Cross. The blood drive took place at the Ann Arbor Red Cross Blood Platelet and Plasma Donation Center located on 4624 Packard Rd., Ann Arbor, Michigan. Red Cross Blood Representative and sister of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. DeAndre Smith launched this worthy endeavor with a diligent request, sharing her story about her battles with sickle cell.

There are approximately 100,000 people in the U.S. with sickle cell disease. Most of the sickle cell population is African American or of African descent. Sickle cell disease changes the shape of red blood cells from soft and round to hard and crescent shaped. As a result, blood flow is not as fluid making it difficult for oxygen to flow to the rest of the body. This can cause severe pain, organ/tissue damage, or even strokes. There is only one method of treatment for sickle cell disease, blood transfusion.

Brothers of Sigma Rho Chapter heard the request for donations and responded swiftly. Brothers Mel Anglin and Maurice Brown volunteered to work the check in table: while Brothers Dr. Ural Hill, Rev. Jeffrey Harrold, Rickey Sanders, J.M. White, Paige Williams, Greg Anglin, Keith Syrkett, and Dana Greene Jr. took the time to donate blood. The second annual Dr. Charles R. Drew Blood Drive more than doubled last year’s African American participation totaling 30 donors and yielding a total of 30 pints of blood. Blood that can be used for transfusions for sickle cell patients.

Service is a fundamental element of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. because Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. is dedicated to uplifting the community. We are proud of the impact that our beloved Fraternity has had on our many communities this year and plan to carry the momentum forward into next year.