Local advocate asks Center Point for funding to expand blood‑clot awareness programs

Dr. Shannon Harris, founder of the Marcus Wayne Foundation for Blood Clot Awareness, addressed the Center Point City Council during public comment and urged the city to support the group's awareness, education and patient-support work.

Harris described the foundation’s mission and family history that inspired it after her father’s fatal pulmonary embolism. She cited broad statistics — "Each year 900,000 Americans are affected and 100,000 lives are lost" — and said the Southeast bears a disproportionate burden. She also told the council that diagnosis rates among Black communities run "30 to 60% higher than white communities," and that certain groups (cancer patients, postpartum women, people on birth control, frequent travelers and athletes) face heightened risk.

Harris outlined four strategic pillars for the foundation: awareness (proclamations, an annual community walk, webinars and speaking engagements); education for health-care personnel and students; support including care packages for newly diagnosed patients; and advocacy for improved diagnostics and legislation. She described partnerships already formed with local providers and asked council members to consider funding for technology, marketing and program funds to expand local outreach. "Together, we can save lives," she told the council.

Council members thanked Harris and invited her to share contact information and materials with staff so the foundation can be included in community events. No council appropriation or vote on funding was recorded at the meeting.