Partner Feature: University Blood Initiative
by Aviva Klein
Co-Founder/CEO, University Blood Initiative
What were you doing before the COVID-19 pandemic hit?
I was preparing to launch the University Blood Initiative (UBI) nationally. I have been working on the UBI for nearly 4 years because I am deeply passionate about securing the future of our nation’s blood product supply. I currently work as a project manager at the University of Chicago Medicine and am studying for the MCAT.
How did you personally get involved in fighting COVID-19 in Illinois?
The mission of the University Blood Initiative is now and has always been, to empower local blood centers and ensure the next generation of blood donors by mobilizing an organized network of dedicated young leaders.
Even before COVID-19, America’s blood supply has been less than robust. The national supply often barely meets the demands for necessary surgeries, and difficulties in distribution can lead to outright shortages on a local level. The pandemic has simply exacerbated an already existing issue. Cancellation of mobile drives, limitations on appointments due to social distancing, and public apprehension have all contributed to further declines.
We began our efforts at the University of Chicago Medicine and have been able to keep the center booked since March. Given this early success, we adapted our chapter model into something more suitable in the given climate
What does your organization do?
We launched our #CovidCodeRed Campaign at the start of April. Our efforts are focused on recruiting, educating, and mentoring young people so that they can effectively leverage their community connections to advocate for their local blood centers.
Since launching the campaign just over a month ago, we have recruited 43 active Code Red Responders across 11 states. Advocacy can take many forms, and our Responders have enormous creative freedom. Their efforts in bridging the divide between their local centers and community continue to amaze us.
What are some of the barriers you have faced in your work?
As with most grassroots movements, the hardest part of our job is actually reaching out and recruiting Responders. We’re a young, small organization with limited resources, and the blood donation crisis isn’t talked about too often in the media, which can make it hard to gain traction. However, our network is tight-knit and growing. We are lucky to be working with so many amazing centers who have also been helping with outreach. It really is a group effort!
What are you most proud of?
My team, they are simply amazing. Each one of them has many other responsibilities but they log on every day (and most nights) ready to work, learn and grow at full force. Although UBI has been conceived through my experience, its success has been a realization of the efforts of the group of members involved.
Our movement has quickly gained regard within the blood collection industry and success as we have expanded across the country. Every day, I see the fantastic things my team is doing for communities all across the country.
Max, Darain, Madhav, Olivia, Morgan and Thara, you are what makes this all possible. To all our Responders, thank you for doing your part to keep our communities healthy.
Anything else you want to add?
Please go donate to your community blood center as often as you can. Repeat donations stabilize the system. Blood Donation is considered essential and centers are taking precautions to make the experience as safe for donors as possible. One precaution you can take is to call ahead to make an appointment.
If you have questions regarding eligibility or want to know more about the importance of local blood donation, email us at universitybloodinitiative@gmail.com. Those interested in volunteering can fill out our Code Red Responders form. We also have team lead positions available for those with leadership experience.
Help us help your community by following us on Instagram (@universitybloodinitiative) and Facebook (@University Blood Initiative) to engage others around you to donate.
Our Website: https://www.universitybloodinitiative.org