Fresno Blood Drive Targets Critical Need for Sickle Cell Patients During Awareness Month
A collaborative blood drive in Fresno addresses the urgent need for African American donors to support sickle cell disease patients who require frequent transfusions.
The Central California Blood Center, Cayenne Wellness Center, and B Awesum are hosting a community blood drive on September 25, 2025, to address the critical shortage of blood donations for sickle cell disease patients during Sickle Cell Awareness Month. The event takes place at River Park's Art Groove Event Center from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with support from the Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce.
The partnership highlights a pressing medical reality: patients with sickle cell disease often require regular blood transfusions to manage complications and improve quality of life. According to national statistics, someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds, yet less than 5% of eligible Americans donate blood annually. This creates persistent shortages that disproportionately affect sickle cell patients, who depend on transfusions for survival and better health outcomes.
Shanti Johnson-Harris, Community Health Worker for Cayenne Wellness Center in Central California, emphasized the life-saving impact of blood donation. "Blood donation is a simple way to make a lifesaving difference," Johnson-Harris stated. "For sickle cell warriors, a single donation can mean fewer hospital visits, better health outcomes, and the priceless gift of hope." The Cayenne Wellness Center, established in 2000, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving quality of life for individuals living with sickle cell disease in California through education, advocacy, and comprehensive care.
The blood drive specifically addresses the importance of donor diversity, as patients with sickle cell disease often receive the best matches from African American donors. This collaboration represents a targeted effort to increase participation from communities that can provide the most compatible blood for sickle cell patients. Melanie Glass, CEO and Founder of B Awesum, highlighted the personal significance of the initiative. "From personal experience, I know the powerful impact that awareness can create," Glass stated. "B AWESUM's participation in the BLOOD DRIVE for SICKLE CELL DISEASE is not only about giving back—it's about shining light on a cause that saves lives and strengthens our community."
The event's location at 80 E. Via Del Oro in Fresno provides a central venue for community participation. The timing during Sickle Cell Awareness Month amplifies the message about the ongoing needs of patients living with this genetic blood disorder. Organizations like Cayenne Wellness Center continue to advance sickle cell support and resources through their grassroots network and commitment to healthcare equity. The blood drive represents a practical response to the constant demand for blood products that can directly improve the lives of those battling sickle cell disease in Central California.