News Summary
Augusta University’s Center for Blood Disorders held a community fair and blood drive at May Park Community Center, focusing on raising awareness for sickle cell disease during Sickle Cell Awareness Month. The event featured health information, resources, food, entertainment, and insights from advocates, including a keynote address by a bone marrow transplant recipient. Community engagement and education were prioritized, with free sickle cell gene testing and a call to action for blood donations highlighted as critical to patient care.
Augusta, Georgia – Augusta University’s Center for Blood Disorders organized a community fair and blood drive at the May Park Community Center to raise awareness for sickle cell disease during Sickle Cell Awareness Month. The event drew a large crowd, offering essential health information, resources, food, and entertainment while emphasizing the significance of early detection and treatment for sickle cell disease.
The community fair featured a keynote address from Alexis Jones, a recipient of a bone marrow transplant who was cured of sickle cell disease. Jones shared insights from her advocacy journey, underscoring the importance of raising awareness about the disease. As part of the ongoing efforts to engage with the community, the event included on-site testing and education provided by the College of Nursing at Augusta University in partnership with the Sickle Cell Advisory Board.
Dr. Lisa Preston-Clark highlighted the objectives of the fair, focusing on community engagement and the need for education about sickle cell anemia. The organizers emphasized the urgency of obtaining blood specimens, raising awareness, and providing educational resources for families affected by sickle cell disease. Attendees were informed about ongoing clinical trials and the opportunities available for bone marrow transplants, offering hope to those impacted by the disease.
Approximately 110,000 people in the United States are affected by sickle cell disease, with the total number reaching around 3 million worldwide. Georgia is recognized as one of the states with a notably high population of sickle cell disease patients. Volunteers at the fair were present to discuss the prevalence and impact of this genetic blood disorder, which can lead to severe complications and a reduced quality of life for those afflicted.
The fair also provided free sickle cell gene testing, encouraging attendees to understand their health status and the potential risk factors for sickle cell disease. The importance of blood donation was a central theme at the event, with representatives voicing the critical need for blood supplies. Blood donations are vital, as patients suffering from sickle cell disease often face regular blood transfusions to manage their condition.
During the fair, attendees were encouraged to consider donating blood at various Shepeard Community Blood Centers. The need for blood donors was highlighted by representatives from the National Community Advisory Board, who stressed that patients who urgently require blood cannot survive without it. This call to action aimed to galvanize support for those living with sickle cell disease and to foster a sense of community in addressing this pressing health issue.
As Sickle Cell Awareness Month continues, events like the one held at May Park Community Center serve as crucial platforms for increasing public knowledge about sickle cell disease, advocating for early detection, and promoting the lifesaving potential of blood donations. The community fair effectively brought together health professionals, patients, and community members to highlight the need for ongoing support and engagement in the fight against sickle cell disease.
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Additional Resources
- WFXG: Augusta University Hosts Community Fair
- WRDW: Augusta University Hosts Community Fair for Sickle Cell Awareness
- Augusta Chronicle: First Bone Marrow Transplant for Sickle Cell
- Wikipedia: Sickle Cell Disease
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sickle Cell Disease
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
