The Lander University chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta, the international honor society in sociology, hosted a 'swab event' for the Gift of Life Bone Marrow Registry on Wed., March 17.
More than 30 members of the Lander community submitted cheek swabs, providing genetic information which will be entered into Gift of Life's registry, to assist in finding matches for people in need of transplants.
Each year, approximately 20,000 people in the U.S. need a bone marrow transplant, according to information provided by Gift of Life. Donors and recipients usually belong to the same ethnicity and race.
Because 55 percent of Latinos, 60 percent of Asian Americans, 75 percent of African Americans and 75 percent of multiracial individuals will be unable to find a donor, "there is an urgent need to increase diversity in the registries."
Professor of Sociology Dr. Daniel Harrison said he was "thrilled" that Lander, which is known for having a diverse student body and work force, took part in the event.