The Port Arthur Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. hosted a community health event on January 17 combining a blood drive and health and wellness fair at Empowerment Church. The event, called Live Well Community Event paired with a Sickle Cell Support Blood Drive, brought together healthcare providers, wellness professionals, mental health advocates, youth leaders, and local organizations to expand awareness on immunizations, sickle cell disease, chronic health conditions, nutrition, fitness, and emotional well-being.
Lady Riya Chaisson, Chapter President of the Port Arthur Chapter, emphasized that the event benefited the sickle cell project, an initiative dedicated to raising awareness and supporting those affected by sickle cell disease. The event was designed to support Good Health Wins priorities by increasing awareness around immunizations, strengthening preventive health education, and expanding public engagement across the broader community. The organization noted that such community health experiences are particularly important in underserved communities where conditions like sickle cell disease disproportionately impact families.
Dr. Janice Milo, Pastor of Empowerment Church, highlighted the church’s role in addressing health disparities. Blood drives provide a vital supply of blood for hospitals and emergency services, with every donation potentially saving multiple lives. Health fairs offer free screenings for conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol levels, enabling early detection and treatment while providing valuable information about preventive care and wellness practices.
Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., founded in 1964, has a long-standing mission of promoting educational, humanitarian and civic service initiatives. Top Teens of America, the organization’s youth auxiliary, supported the event, assisting with logistics and community engagement throughout the day. The chapter reinforced its commitment to serve and highlighted the ongoing need for community-centered health initiatives in Port Arthur.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://panews.com/2026/01/23/top-ladies-of-distinction-hosts-blood-drive-health-and-wellness-fair/