Meet today’s charity spotlight, an amazing crusader in the fight for a cure for sickle cell disease; the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc.
For more than 35 years, the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. (SCDAA) and its 50-plus member organizations and affiliates have demonstrated how community-based organizations can work as partners with medical facilities local and state government agencies to pursue national health care objectives. SCDAA has recognized that one agency cannot meet all the needs and challenges of those living with sickle cell disease (SCD) and their families. As part of its strategic efforts and to enhance its effectiveness, SCDAA has partnered with government, private and other not-for-profit agencies and programs at the local, state, and national levels. These have included National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Urban League, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the United Way, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and many others.
The mission of SCDAA is to provide support for patients suffering from sickle cell, while encouraging enhanced research intended to identify next-generation treatments and a cure. Current programs and initiatives include: “Greater Than Sickle Cell” which is a world Sickle Cell Day Digital Advocacy Campaign on June 19th to promote public awareness of the priority populations affected by sickle cell disease and the need for research and enhanced medical therapies. BCG will be a participant and we’re asking all of our supporters to please join us.
The organization is hosting it’s first National Sickle Cell Walk with the Stars, August 30th in Baltimore, MD, the event will raise funding and awareness for research and programs necessary to help those suffering from sickle cell disease.
SCDAA also provides a Academic and Research Fellowship Scholarship which recognizes undergraduate academic excellence and achievement among students living with sickle cell disease and inspires graduates to consider dedicating their careers to sickle cell research and treatment. Sickle Cell disease has historically always affected blacks at alarming rates. The work of Sickle Cell Disease Association of America is vital to finding a cure and helping the thousands that are afflicted and in pain with this disease. To learn more ways to volunteer, donate or support SCDAA visit sicklecelldisease.org!
