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Our Executive Director Speaks Out on the National Blood Crisis

Writer: Bridges Pointe, Inc.
Bridges Pointe, Inc.
Sep 1
1 min read

We are incredibly proud of our very own Executive Director, Shenika Richardson, who recently sat down with ABC11 News to share her personal experience and perspective on the nation’s ongoing blood crisis.


In July, the American Red Cross declared a national blood crisis, as blood donations fell short of demand. For patients who depend on regular transfusions, the shortage is more than a statistic; it is a matter of life and survival.


"You can save a life' is not just a slogan. We depend on it. You've never met me. You may never meet me, but we are so thankful. We know that you're out there. We know that you care because we're able to keep surviving because you give blood." - Shenika Richardson


We thank ABC11 News for giving Shenika a platform to share her experience on blood transfusions and help raise awareness. Most importantly, we encourage everyone who is eligible to consider donating blood.

Your donation could give someone another chance to heal, live, and thrive.



 
 

Recent News, Upcoming Events, Resources, and more from Bridges Pointe Inc.

Writer: Bridges Pointe, Inc.
Bridges Pointe, Inc.
Aug 31
4 min read

Bridges Pointe, Inc. Sickle Cell Agency

NEWSLETTER


COMMUNITY UPDATE | 2026

Bridging the Gap: 3rd Quarter Newsletter

As we approach Sickle Cell Awareness Month this September, Bridges Pointe Inc. remains steadfast in our mission to champion the sickle cell community through advocacy, education, and unwavering support.

 

Below are local resources, events, news, and so much more!

An artistic representation of biological structures showing warm light transitions.
September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Your support keeps hope alive.

Your support keeps hope alive.

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month. At Bridges Pointe, Inc., we rely on caring supporters like you to sustain our support, education, and advocacy for those affected by Sickle Cell. Every contribution, big or small, goes directly to families and individuals who need us. Your gift today has a real and immediate impact. Thank you.


Bridges Pointe, Inc. Event Spotlight: Partnership Summit

Summit Photo

This partnership luncheon is an intimate gathering created to foster meaningful connection and collaboration among community stakeholders and organizational leaders.

September 12, 2026, 10:30am – 1:00pm

311 Dowd St., Durham NC 27701



FEATURED STORIES


A Crucial Opportunity for Our Community


Make Your Voice Heard

We are calling on our community to participate in the North Carolina Rural Transformation Regional Needs Assessment survey. The more Sickle Cell shows up in this data, the better chances the our community has of being reflected in future NC ROOTS priorities. Add Bridges Pointe, Inc. as an organization that should be involved to make these changes happen. 

community survey engagement

What is the NC Rural Health Transformation Program?

NCRHTP is a statewide program of NCDHHS that addresses longstanding challenges in rural healthcare in North Carolina. NCRHTP is responsible for:

  • Administration of NC ROOTS and several other programs designed to address rural health needs

  • Allocation of $213 million in funding from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to six NC ROOTS Hub Leads throughout North Carolina



Graphic for the 2026 mid-year recap featuring Bridges Pointe Inc logo.

2026 Mid-Year Recap with Bridges Pointe Inc!

Click the button below to read more!

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World Sickle Cell Day Celebration!

Click the button below to read more!




Click the link below to hear more from our very own Executive Director, Shenika Richardson, about her lived experiences on blood transfusions.



COMMUNITY RESOURCES




Medicare + Medicaid

Contact 1-800-MEDICARE for help and questions.


Medicaid Changes FREE Webinar


Additional Resources

Find a therapist near you: www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists

Talk to a dietitian covered by your insurance: www.nourish.com

 



Upcoming Community Events


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Duke/UNC Sickle Cell Disease Conference

Click the button below or scan the QR

code to register!

Community gathering image.

Duke vs. UNC Basketball Tournament

Click the button below or scan the QR codes above to register and donate to your team!

SCDAA Convention Early Bird Registration Ends Sept. 2

Oct. 15-17 | SCDAA 54th Annual National Convention | Concord, North Carolina

We encourage you to take advantage of the early bird rates! Join us for a powerful gathering focused on the future of sickle cell care and advocacy.

Convention Hotel Rooms

Experience the convention at the official host hotel. Discounted room rates end Tuesday, Sept. 15.

You Look Fine – A Documentary on Living with Sickle Cell Disease Offers FREE Screenings Around the Country

You Look Fine is an award-winning documentary by comedian and filmmaker Jared "J." Snow that offers a powerful, firsthand look at living with sickle cell disease. Written, directed, filmed, and edited by Snow—often while hospitalized during sickle cell crises—and executive produced by Marlon Wayans, the film combines stand-up comedy, real hospital footage, and personal storytelling to challenge misconceptions about the disease. Free screenings are presented by Better Exists and sponsored by Pfizer. The initial screening took place in Chicago on August 15, and future screenings will be held at Florida Memorial University on August 29, and at Greenbelt Cinema in Greenbelt, Maryland, on September 3.

Please click button below for more details.



Cayenne Wellness is hosting their Annual Sickle Cell Disease Educational Summit dedicated to increasing awareness and education about sickle cell disease and trait.

September 16-19, 2026 │ Hybrid // Long Beach, CA │ Register Here 

 

NHLBI is hosting their Sickle Cell in Focus and will focus on advancing global understanding and management of sickle cell disease through sessions on data harmonization and global SCD databases, transfusion complications, genetic therapies, and the role of inflammation and aging.

September 24-25, 2026 │ Virtual │ Register Here

 


Duke Caregiver Event

To better support your schedule, this year’s Caregiving Conference will once again be offered on two separate days. Choose the date that works best for you, each day features the same agenda, speakers, and sessions, ensuring you won’t miss any key topics. Whether you’re a caregiver supporting a loved one or someone in your life helps you manage your own health, we invite you to spend the day with us. You’ll have access to meaningful resources, hands‑on activities, and expert insights designed to strengthen and support your caregiving journey.  

September 9 or 10, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. @ Sheraton Imperial Durham, NC

 Featured Topics: 

Putting the "Team" in Care Team

 

Caregiving Through the Lens of Parkinson's Disease

 

Helping EMS Help You: How to Prepare for a 911 Emergency

 

Laughter Yoga: Laughter as Medcine

 

Navigating Dementia Health Care with Dr. Scott Robert

 

And many more


LATEST NEWS 

SCDAA UPDATES:


Response to Changes in Vaccination Recommendations

MARAC of the SCDAA strongly encourages all individuals living with SCD to discuss any changes to vaccinations with their providers.

Research Study on Hemopexin for the Treatment of Pain Crises

Adults and adolescents with SCD are invited to participate in a study to see if hemopexin can help resolve pain crises quickly.

Research Study: Anumigilimab to Prevent Pain Crises

Adults 18+ with SCD who experience pain crises are invited to participate in a Phase

2A study of anumigilimab.

Tate Holbrook Sickle Cell Update

Friday, Sept. 18 | 8 a.m. ET

Dr. Edward Donnell Ivy will be a guest speaker for the 2026 Tate Holbrook Annual Sickle Disease Update.



 
 

World sickle cell day celebration!

Writer: Bridges Pointe, Inc.
Bridges Pointe, Inc.
Aug 26
1 min read

This past June, we celebrated World Sickle Cell Day with our incredible community and warriors! This special event was filled with fun, community, connection, and, most importantly, a celebration of the strength and resilience of those living with sickle cell disease.


We had the opportunity to connect with warriors, families, caregivers, advocates, and community members while creating a space where everyone could feel seen, supported, and celebrated.


World Sickle Cell Day is more than just a day on the calendar. It is an opportunity to raise awareness, educate our communities, amplify the voices of those living with sickle cell disease, and recognize the challenges and triumphs that come with the journey. Events like this allow us to come together, share experiences, build relationships, and remind our warriors that their stories and voices matter.


We are incredibly grateful to everyone who showed up, participated, shared their stories, and helped make the celebration so special. Your energy, support, and sense of community made the day one to remember!


Thank you, from Bridges Pointe Inc.



 
 

© 2025 by Bridges Pointe, Inc. 

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