For Immediate Release Contact: Courtney McCall (314) 340-3391 mccallc@hssu.edu HSSU College of Arts and Sciences to Host a Bone Marrow Drive This Weekend St. Louis, MO (February 2, 2012) - In celebration of Black History Month, the College of Arts and Sciences at Harris-Stowe State University will sponsor a bone marrow registration drive, "Be the Match Registry," Saturday, February 4, 2012, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the William L. Clay Sr. Early Childhood Development/Parenting Education Center. Dr. Muyibat Adelani, a resident physician at Barnes Jewish Hospital, is hoping that such an event will raise more awareness for those suffering from sickle cell disease, leukemia and other life-threatening diseases that could be cured with bone marrow transplants. Currently, there is a shortage of suitable bone marrow donors. "Bone marrow compatibility is related to genetics, so a patient's best chance for a donor match is from someone who shares their heritage," explained Dr. Adelani. "However, African-Americans make up only 8 percent of registered bone marrow donors, so it is especially difficult for black patients to be matched. By increasing the number of potential African-American donors on the registry, we could give African-Americans a greater chance of finding matches, and thus save lives." The Clay Center is located at 10 N. Compton Avenue, St. Louis, Mo. It only takes about 15 minutes and cheek swab to join the registry. You must be between the ages of 18 and 60 and meet certain health guidelines to qualify. For more information on Be the Match Registry, please call (314) 348-5650 or e-mail dmosley@nmdp.org. Harris-Stowe State University, located in midtown St. Louis, is a four-year institution that offers 12 degree programs in the areas of early childhood education, elementary education, middle school/junior high education, secondary education, business administration, information sciences and computer technology, health care management, hospitality and tourism, accounting, criminal justice, professional interdisciplinary studies and urban education. Ranked by U.S. News as one of America's Best Colleges in the Midwest, the university, which has been in existence for more than 150 years, offers the most affordable baccalaureate degree in the metropolitan area. ### Courtney Z. McCall Assistant Vice President Communications, Marketing, Alumni Affairs & Development Harris-Stowe State University Ofc: (314) 340-3391 I mobile: (314) 280-9964 I fax: (314) 340-3575 web: www.hssu.edu <http://www.hssu.edu/> **********************Harris-Stowe State University********************** This e-mail is confidential and sent only to specified recipient(s). However, all e-mail is subject to possible interception by third parties. *************Contact postmaster@hssu.edu to report problems**************