Health Update: Top Ladies of Distinction Hosts Blood Drive, Health and Wellness Fair – What Experts Say

Top Ladies of Distinction Hosts Blood Drive, Health and Wellness Fair

Published 3:15 pm Friday, January 23, 2026

The Port Arthur Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. remain dedicated to their goal of raising awareness of sickle cell disease and providing health and wellness information as seen with their recent blood drive and health and wellness fair Jan. 17.

The event, held at Empowerment Church, brought together community members for a day focused on health awareness, prevention and service.

“The event benefited the sickle cell project, an initiative dedicated to raising awareness and supporting those affected by sickle cell disease,” Lady Riya Chaisson, Chapter President Port Arthur Chapter Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., said. “Our chapter hosted the Live Well Community Event paired with a Sickle Cell Support Blood Drive. This blended community health experience will unite healthcare providers, wellness professionals, mental health advocates, youth leaders, and local organizations to expand awareness on the importance of immunizations, Sickle Cell Disease, chronic health conditions, nutrition, fitness, and emotional well-being.”

The event emphasized the importance of proactive health care, particularly within underserved communities where conditions such as sickle cell disease disproportionately impact families. Attendees were encouraged to learn more about early detection, healthy lifestyle practices, and the critical role blood donations play in saving lives.

“The event is designed to support Good Health Wins priorities,” she said. “By increasing awareness around immunizations, strengthening preventive health education, and expanding public engagement across the broader community beyond TLOD.”

Members of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., Port Arthur Chapter, worked alongside volunteers and community partners to ensure the event was successful. The organization, founded in 1964, has a long-standing mission of promoting educational, humanitarian and civic service initiatives.

“As a member of the Top Ladies of Distinction Inc, Port Arthur Chapter, and I’m also a Committee Member of the Sickle Cell Disease Program who hosted the Blood Drive and Health Fair,” Dr. Janice Milo, Pastor of Empowerment Church said. “It’s important to remember that Churches still play a central role in their communities. Hosting a health fair and blood drive at a church allows the church to be a partner in directly addressing health disparities and promotes wellness in the surrounding community. This type of event is important for the community because blood drives provide a vital supply of blood for hospitals and emergency services. Every donation can save multiple lives. Health fairs often offer free screenings for conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol levels, enabling early detection and treatment. Health fairs also provide valuable information about preventive care, nutrition, and wellness practices, empowering individuals to make informed health decisions. Attendees can learn about available health services, local resources, and support networks, making it easier for them to access necessary care.”

Top Teens of America, the organization’s youth auxiliary, also supported the event, assisting with logistics and community engagement throughout the day.

The blood drive and health and Wellness fair reinforced the chapter’s commitment to serve and highlighted the ongoing need for community-centered health initiatives in Port Arthur.

For more information on upcoming events visit The Port Arthur Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., Facebook page.