At Delaware State University, one student organization is working to save lives in a powerful yet often overlooked way. The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), formerly known as Be The Match, is a global nonprofit dedicated to helping patients battling blood disorders and cancers, including leukemia and sickle cell disease, find life-saving donors for blood stem cell and bone marrow transplants. In addition to donor recruitment, NMDP provides patient support; funds groundbreaking research to advance cell therapy, and advocates on campus for 16 hours a week, providing unlimited volunteer opportunities for students.

Our DSU chapter is proud to be part of this life-saving mission. One of our main goals is to help diversify the national donor registry and improve health outcomes for black patients battling blood disorders. Patients are more likely to find a match from someone with a similar racial or ethnic background, which means patients of color often face greater difficulty finding donors. By registering more students from diverse backgrounds, we are increasing the chances that someone, somewhere, will get the second chance at life they are waiting for.

You can usually find NMDP tabling Monday through Thursday from 12–4 PM in the student centers on both the main and downtown campuses. During these times, we educate students about the donation process, dispel common myths, and help people join the registry on the spot. However, our impact goes beyond tabling. NMDP also offers members professional development opportunities outside of Delaware State University. Students can grow into leadership roles, such as Recruitment Ambassadors or Chapter Interns, gaining valuable experience in communication, outreach, and advocacy that will benefit them long after graduation.

What truly makes our chapter special is the sense of community we are building on campus. Members have the opportunity to earn community service hours by tabling, attending general body meetings, and participating in campus events. NMDP rewards students with service hours for their time spent furthering the cause, with chapter members who complete 20+ volunteer hours being eligible for a graduation cord. We prioritize creating a supportive environment where students feel connected, valued, and empowered to make a difference.

This year, we are putting extra energy into hosting more fun and innovative events to raise awareness about NMDP and keep students engaged in our mission. We want involvement to feel meaningful, not just informational. Our chapter is about more than adding names to a registry; it’s also about developing future leaders. We want our members to grow both personally and professionally so they leave DSU feeling confident, prepared, and purpose-driven.

Being part of this organization has shown me just how powerful simple actions can be. Serving as Vice President of the chapter, along with being a registered donor myself, has shown me that making a difference does not always require a grand gesture. Sometimes, it starts with a conversation at a table, a quick cheek swab, and the willingness to help someone you may never meet. That small step could one day save a life, and that is what NMDP at Delaware State University is all about.