Central California Organizations Partner for Sickle Cell Blood Drive During Awareness Month

The Central California Blood Center, Cayenne Wellness Center, and B Awesum are joining forces to host a community blood drive on September 25, 2025, at River Park's Art Groove Event Center in Fresno, California. The event, scheduled from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., directly addresses the critical blood shortage affecting sickle cell disease patients during Sickle Cell Awareness Month, bringing attention to a significant healthcare disparity that requires immediate community action.

This partnership underscores a pressing medical reality: patients with sickle cell disease often require regular blood transfusions, with the most compatible matches typically coming from African American donors. With less than 5% of eligible Americans donating blood annually, there exists a constant shortage for the patients who depend on it most. Shanti Johnson-Harris, Community Health Worker for Cayenne Wellness Center in Central California, emphasized the life-saving impact of blood donation for sickle cell patients, noting that a single donation can lead to fewer hospital visits and improved health outcomes for those battling the disease.

Melanie Glass, CEO and Founder of B Awesum, shared that her organization's participation stems from personal experience with the disease's impact. Glass stated that the blood drive represents more than just giving back—it's about raising awareness for a cause that saves lives and strengthens community bonds. The event location at 80 E. Via Del Oro in Fresno's River Park shopping center provides an accessible venue for community participation, making it easier for residents to contribute to this vital cause.

The collaboration between these organizations highlights the importance of targeted blood donation efforts for specific medical conditions. Sickle cell disease affects approximately 100,000 Americans, primarily those of African descent, and requires specialized medical attention throughout patients' lives. Regular blood transfusions help manage complications and improve quality of life for what patients and advocates often call "sickle cell warriors," making community support essential for their ongoing care.

The timing of this blood drive during Sickle Cell Awareness Month brings heightened attention to the ongoing needs of this patient population. While blood donations benefit all patients requiring transfusions, the particular need for African American donors demonstrates how community-specific donation efforts can effectively address healthcare disparities. The event organizers hope this initiative will not only collect immediate donations but also build lasting awareness about the importance of regular blood donation for sickle cell patients, creating a sustainable solution to an ongoing medical challenge.