(Black PR Wire) The Beverly Hills West (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, in proud partnership with the American Red Cross, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Faithful Central Bible Church (FCBC), and the City of Inglewood, extends heartfelt gratitude to our community for the overwhelming support shown at our recent Blood Donor Project. Held in honor of Black History Month, this initiative not only celebrated the rich heritage and contributions of the Black community, but also underscored the critical importance of giving back through life-saving acts of blood donation.

Our journey began with an inspiring kickoff on February 23, 2024 at CDU, followed by the main Blood Drive event at FCBC in Inglewood, California on February 25, 2024. These gatherings were more than just events; they were a powerful demonstration of unity, compassion, and the collective will to make a significant impact. We are set to return to FCBC on Sunday, February 23, 2025, for our third Blood Drive.

Why This Matters: This initiative was anchored in the pressing need to increase the number of blood donors in our communities, particularly to support those battling Sickle Cell Disease—the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States, primarily affecting individuals of African descent. Patients with this condition often require regular blood transfusions throughout their lives, and seasonal changes can exacerbate their suffering, triggering painful crises that necessitate these lifesaving transfusions. However, compatibility challenges mean that only one in three African American blood donors are a match for people with Sickle Cell Disease, highlighting the urgent need for more donors.

Our Call to Action: In alignment with the "Our Blood Saves Lives" and "Closing the Sickle Cell Gap" campaigns, we are dedicated to bridging this divide through our "Blood Links Us Together" initiative.  The success of our Blood Donor Project is a testament to the power of community solidarity and the profound difference we can make when we come together for a common cause.

We invite you to continue this momentum by signing up to be a blood donor today. Visit www.redcross.org/give-blood.html. Your contribution could be the key to saving a life and supporting those in our community who rely on these critical donations.

We are immensely thankful for every donor, volunteer, and partner who joined us in this life-saving initiative. Together, we honored Black History Month and strengthened the bonds of our community through acts of kindness and generosity. Together, we save lives. Our current collaborators are The Association of Black Women Physicians, Auxiliary to the Charles R. Drew Medical Society, Delta Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc., Drs. Ruth and Ludlow B. Creary Family Foundation, Hatcher Financial, Los Angeles Urban League, Palos Verdes (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, Sigma Pi Phi, Delta Xi, Boulé and The Divine Nine.

To learn more about the Beverly Hills West (CA) Chapter's initiatives and how you can get involved, please visit www.beverlyhillswestlinks.com or reach out to Ms. Jasmine C. Houston, Chapter Press Secretary: comm@beverlyhillswestlinks.com.

Photo 1: Blood Donor Kickoff Reception at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) with Beverly Hills West (CA) Chapter Members LaShonda Blevins, Sherril Rieux, Ruth Creary, CDU President David Carlisle, Chapter President Zna Portlock Houston, I Jean Davis Hatcher, Nicole Duncan, and Lovene Knight.

Photo 2: Working Together: Working Together: Delta Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. under the direction of Lovene Knight.