Sickle Cell Disease Association of America

"To advocate for and enhance our membership's ability to improve the quality of health, life and services for individuals, families and communities affected by sickle cell disease and related conditions, while promoting the search for a cure for all people in the world with sickle cell disease."[1]

The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. originated in Racine, Wisconsin. Representatives from 15 different community-based sickle cell organizations came together at Wingspread, a community center, as guest of the Johnson Foundation. There was a common belief that there was a need for national attention to sickle cell disease. After a meeting, they created the "National Association for Sickle Cell Diseases." The name was changed in 1994 to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. Over the course of several years, the organization has grown into over 40 different branches. The organization has partnered with several different medical facilities, local and state government agencies to pursue national health care objectives. Some of the organization's partnerships include: National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), United Way of America, the Robert Johnson Foundation and many more.[1]

• Research
• Public Health Education
• Professional Health Education
• Patient Services
• Community Services
• Support to Global Organizations and Practitioners

[1]

The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. hosts several events throughout each year. It hosts the Annual National Sickle Cell Walk with the Stars the weekend after Labor Day each year. The inaugural walk was held on September 6, 2014 at Lake Montebello in Baltimore, Maryland. This event typically will have a variety vendors, kid activities, prizes and celebrity guests.[2] The Sickle Cell Disease National Convention is held annually during the first weekend of October in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. The event will feature themed experience, with prizes, awards, auctions and educational sessions.[1]

• Tionne 'T-Boz' Watkins - The National Celebrity Spokesperson for the SCDAA.[3]
• Tiki Barber - The former NFL running back has sickle cell disease and does his part educating others.[4]
• Prodigy - Hip Hop star promotes sickle cell awareness at different events, including the 2011 National Convention.[5]
• Ryan Clark - NFL Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers.[6]
• Devin McCourty and Ryan McCourty - Twins fight Sickle Cell Disease with Tackle Sickle Cell Organization.[7]
• Kier "Junior" Spates - SCDAA National Celebrity Ambassador[8]
• Larenz Tate - Actor is passionate about sickle cell awareness.[9]
• Santonio Holmes - Runs benefit for son with sickle cell disease.[10]

• Official website