JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — LifeSouth Community Blood Centers and the Richard Webster-Bass Health Institute have partnered to launch a community blood drive series in Northeast Florida to increase awareness of sickle cell disease.
The blood drive series began on Wednesday at the University of North Florida.
Through the initiative, the LifeSouth Community Grant Program will make a financial donation to Project Little Veins for every person who donates blood. Project Little Veins, an arm of the Richard Webster-Bass Health Institute, distributes care packages containing comfort items and basic essentials to sickle cell patients during hospital stays and medical treatments.
Tim Harvey, district director of LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, emphasized the role of local donors in supporting area patients. “LifeSouth is proud to partner with the Richard Webster-Bass Health Institute and Project Little Veins on this initiative to raise awareness about sickle cell disease,” Harvey said. “LifeSouth is the only blood center in this region where a donor’s blood stays in the local community, so every donation has a direct, measurable impact on patients here in Northeast Florida.”
Florida has one of the heaviest sickle cell disease burdens in the United States, with an estimated 13,886 people living with the disease statewide, according to a 2023 American Society of Hematology population model.
State Medicaid data indicate the condition disproportionately affects young Black Floridians. Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder that causes red blood cells to form a rigid, crescent shape rather than a normal disc shape, restricting blood flow and oxygen delivery. The condition can lead to severe pain crises, organ damage, and stroke, often requiring frequent blood transfusions.
Fredrianna Copeland-Webster founded Project Little Veins after undergoing extended hospital stays and severe complications as a sickle cell patient that required multiple blood transfusions. “I encourage everyone who is eligible, especially Black community members, to donate through LifeSouth or host a blood drive at your church or business to help ensure a stable blood supply in our community for patients who rely on lifesaving transfusions,” Copeland-Webster said.
All blood types are needed for the drive series, and organizers welcome participation from all members of the public. LifeSouth identifies donors who are genetic matches for sickle cell patients through its Sickle Cell Hero program, notifying participants so they can donate regularly to help lower transfusion complications.
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