PHOTOS: HCA Virginia hosts block party to fight sickle cell disease
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- HCA Virginia's Black Colleague Network hosted a free community block party, showcasing the importance of blood donation, especially for patients living with sickle cell disease.
The event was held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, at Retreat Doctors' Hospital, located at 2621 Grove Ave, with remarks from Richmond Mayor Danny Avula and 8News Anchor Rolynn Wilson.
"There's a lot of work that can be done to help people make it through those crisis periods and the work that healthcare providers do is so instrumental to helping people through that period, so I hope we can all start talking about, learning about and supporting the work around simple cell work," Avula said.
Sickle cell disease reportedly disproportionately affects African Americans, including one out of every 365 Black or African American births, according to the network.
Over 4,000 Virginians live with these conditions, and they say "regular blood transfusions are a lifeline." This helps manage symptoms and prevent severe complications.
The block party was held in partnership with the American Red Cross and the Sickle Cell Foundation. HCA Virginia invites everyone to give blood onsite during the block party and directly contribute to saving lives. Beyond the opportunity to donate, the event will feature panel discussions, live music and entertainment, food trucks and local vendors, family fun and giveaways.
Continue scrolling to see photos from the sickle cell disease block party.
HCA Virginia`s Black Colleague Network hosted a free community block party, showcasing the importance of blood donation, especially for patients living with sickle cell disease. (Photo: William Berksteiner, 8News)
HCA Virginia`s Black Colleague Network hosted a free community block party, showcasing the importance of blood donation, especially for patients living with sickle cell disease. (Photo: William Berksteiner, 8News)
HCA Virginia`s Black Colleague Network hosted a free community block party, showcasing the importance of blood donation, especially for patients living with sickle cell disease. (Photo: William Berksteiner, 8News)
HCA Virginia`s Black Colleague Network hosted a free community block party, showcasing the importance of blood donation, especially for patients living with sickle cell disease. (Photo: William Berksteiner, 8News)
HCA Virginia`s Black Colleague Network hosted a free community block party, showcasing the importance of blood donation, especially for patients living with sickle cell disease. (Photo: William Berksteiner, 8News)
HCA Virginia`s Black Colleague Network hosted a free community block party, showcasing the importance of blood donation, especially for patients living with sickle cell disease. (Photo: William Berksteiner, 8News)
HCA Virginia`s Black Colleague Network hosted a free community block party, showcasing the importance of blood donation, especially for patients living with sickle cell disease. (Photo: William Berksteiner, 8News)
HCA Virginia`s Black Colleague Network hosted a free community block party, showcasing the importance of blood donation, especially for patients living with sickle cell disease. (Photo: William Berksteiner, 8News)
