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Your voice matters in the election process. The representatives we choose make decisions that affect access to healthcare, regional transportation, insurance laws, disability protections, prescription pricing and more. Join us as we speak out on behalf of individuals living with sickle cell and the legislation that affects them. OUR ADVOCACY PARTNERS Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Rare Disease Legislative Advocates Every Day Life Foundation Health Can’t Wait Coalition American Society of Hematology ARE YOU READY TO VOTE? To be eligible to vote in Michigan, you must be: A Michigan resident (at the time you register) and a resident of your city or township for at least 30 days (when you vote) A United States citizen At least 18 years of age (when you vote) Not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison Learn more about voting in Michigan here . Check your voter registration status here . Register online here . Absentee voting “Due to the constitutional amendment passed by voters in 2018, all eligible and registered voters in Michigan may request an absent voter ballot without providing a reason. They can visit their local clerk’s office for an absent voter ballot application or download one at Michigan.gov/Vote ” Michigan ballot drop locations You can take your absentee ballot to the drop box in your jurisdiction and track your ballot through the election process. advocacy & legislation Current issues we’re working on include: Securing coverage for new sickle cell treatments (We'll keep you posted!) DO YOU KNOW WHO REPRESENTS YOU? You can click here and enter your address to find your local, state and federal elected officials along with their names and contact information. Use the map to see Michigan's legislative districts . World Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Day in Michigan - June 19, 2020 2020 World Sickle Cell Day received legislative support this year as Rep. Ronnie Peterson introduced House Resolution #280 declaring June 19, 2020 as World Sickle Cell Awareness Day in Michigan. Rep. Peterson also introduced a bill to create a sickle cell license plate for Michigan. The bill received outstanding bi-partisan support. We are deeply grateful for these actions from our elected officials and the members of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus who were able to join us at the capital. #BlackPatientLivesMatter Vote

2020 Sickle Cell Matters Virtual Walk Sponsor & Vendor Gallery Terumo Vendors: Sick Cells and Versiti Blood Services Thank you to our 2020 Sickle Cell Matters Walk sponsors!

Additional resources to support your needs during the COVID-19 pandemic Food Mental Health Internet Talking With Kids Education Ways to Connect 2-1-1 Top Job Info Locate various community resources by zip code https://navigator.familydoctor.org/ Food Locate food banks by zip code https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank Several school districts are offering “grab and go” food pick up for students during the COVID-19 outbreak. These organizations are assisting as well: Gleaners Food Bank Forgotten Harvest Yad Ezra Lighthouse Food Pantry City of Detroit Food Pickup Mental Health 24/7 365 Disaster Distress Hotline to assist with emotional distress due to pandemic Free online COVID-19 support group Coping With Coronavirus Anxiety - Reading from Harvard Health Be The Match® is now offering free counseling services to sickle cell warriors and their loved ones. One of their licensed social workers can provide you with one-on-one support for personal and emotional issues. Request a connection today. Internet & Device Access FCC program for eligible households to provide low cost telephone and broadband internet service (Michigan is a participating state) Some internet providers are offering free services to low-income families and households with students. Free Comcast Xfinity internet: Comcast Xfinity is currently offering its Internet Essentials program free for two months to new customers. The internet provider is also automatically increasing speeds for all Internet Essentials customers. Comcast Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots are also open and free to use by anyone. Free internet for students from Charter Spectrum: Households with students K–12 or university students can sign up for a new Charter Spectrum internet account to get the first two months of internet with speeds up to 100 Mbps for free. Installation fees will be waived for those who qualify for the offer. Call 1-844-488-8395 to enroll. Spectrum Wi-Fi hotspots are also currently open and free to use. Free internet for students from Altice: Altice internet providers Suddenlink and Optimum are offering 60 days of free internet service for households with K–12 or college students. Internet speeds are up to 30 Mbps if you do not already have access to a home internet plan. To sign up, call 1-866-200-9522 if you live in an area with Optimum internet service, or call 1-888-633-0030 if you live in an area with Suddenlink internet service. Free low-income internet from Cox: Until May 12, 2020, Cox is offering the first month of its low-income internet program, Connect2Compete , for free. The internet service is also providing free phone and remote desktop support for technical support during that time. AT&T: https://www.att.com/help/covid-19/ Talking with your children about COVID-19 Talking to Children About COVID-19: National Association of School Psychologists Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks : Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration Talking with Children about Coronavirus : CDC Helping Children Cope with Emergencies : CDC How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus : PBS Kids Should children be gathering while school is not in session? CDC Recommendation : Discourage children and teens from gathering in other public places while school is dismissed to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community Coronavirus is Here. Should Kids Still Have Playdates ? Fatherly Magazine Educational Websites and Apps Guidance and a variety of good online resources are available on the Common Sense Media website. All Subjects ABC Mouse (Free 30 day trial) Khan Academy Khan Academy Kids Wonderopolis Parent Toolkit Literacy Scholastic Learn at Home Starfall Audible (free audio stories for kids) Math Code.org Tynker - Free coding courses for all grades Solve Me Puzzles - puzzles that use mathematical thinking PBS Kids Math Games Science & Social Studies Mystery Doug National Geographic Kids Science Journal for Kids Enrichment Activities Fun Games PBS Kids Typing.com Movement & Mindfulness Headspace Go Noodle Mindfulness Moments Virtual Tours Museum Virtual Tours NASA Images and Video Library Cranbrook Art Museum virtual tour Ways to connect Adobe Connect (Free 90 day trial) Facetime Skype Google Hangouts United Way 2-1-1 United Way for Southeast Michigan's 2-1-1 service provides referrals to programs in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Monroe and Lapeer counties, connecting users with more than 30,000 service providers throughout the state. You can get information online at United Way 2-1-1 , or by dialing 2-1-1 (or 1-800-552-1183 ). Returning to Work Michigan information for employers and employees Michigan guidance for manufacturing workers returning to work Template letters from SCDAA for physicians to provide patients and caregivers Food resources Mental Health resources Internet and device access Talking with your kids Education and enrichment Ways to connect United Way 211 Back to the top Back to the top Back to the top COVID-19 Information From Michigan Health Departments Berrien County here Genesee County here Ingham County here Kent County here Lenawee County here Macomb County here Michigan Department of Health & Human Services here Oakland County here Saginaw County here Washtenaw County here Wayne County here MI Health Depts Job Info

our services For more information: Detroit Main Line: (313) 864-4406 Children's Hospital SC Clinic: (313) 745-5613 Sickle Cell Trait Counseling: (313) 595-0280 School/Job Assistance: (313) 595-0541 Email info@scdaami.org Contact our nearest satellite office: Adult Clinic Caseworker at DMC :(313) 864-4406 Benton Harbor/Kalamazoo Area: (313) 505-4081 Grand Rapids/Muskegon Area: (616) 788-9816 Jackson/Lansing Area: (800) 842-0973 Saginaw/Flint Area: (989) 372-0256 SCDAA-MI provides a range of services to individuals with sickle cell and their families. This includes counseling, support groups, referrals for financial and medical help, college and employment assistance, sending children to summer camp each year. The agency also coordinates newborn screening for all babies born in Michigan. Client assistance WHAT WE DO HERE TO HELP Services We Provide Do you have medical insurance, primary care, a hematologist? Do you need accommodations at school/work? Let us help you manage your life with sickle cell. Read More PARTNER RESOURCES Community Connections We've compiled a handy list of helpful partner resources you can use to help meet basic and emergency needs for yourself and/or your family. Read More COVID-19 INFORMATION What You Should Know Individuals with sickle cell run a higher risk of complications if they contract COVID-19. Get SCD-specific info and guidelines to help stay safe. Read More

get involved Together our tenacity and commitment have greatly brightened the future for sickle cell: comprehensive pediatric care has become a medical standard throughout most of the U.S., allowing patients to pursue college educations, take on dream careers, marry and welcome extended families. At the same time, many challenges remain: awareness among the adult medical community lags behind pediatric expertise at the expense of patient health. Sickle cell still bears the weight of stigma attached to systemic discrimination. While research is on the uptick, treatments are limited. There is no universal cure. Your support matters in our quest for consciousness, equity, and a cure. Please join us today. DONATE The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America - Michigan Chapter thrives on the support of dedicated patients/clients, staff, volunteers, funders, sponsors, donors , and community partners . We've remained committed to our mission of improving the lives of people living with sickle cell disease for 48 years. Give today . ADVOCATE This is an exciting time for the sickle cell community as new treatments have recently become available and interest in research to find a cure has spiked. Yet, insurance hindrances, misplaced opioid restrictions, and ongoing systemic discrimination continue to block access to proper care and threaten the lives of patients. Raise your voice for sickle cell. VOLUNTEER There are always volunteer opportunities at SCDAA-MI for assistance at our annual Sickle Cell Matters Walk, encouraging an increased social media presence, office help, committees, and more. Complete our volunteer form to let us know you're interested, and we'll contact you when opportunities arise.

community resources Connect to services that can help meet your basic and emergency needs Out-state resources coming soon! Click here for an additional list of COVID-19 specific resources. Top Education Mental Health Clothing Internet & Device Access Housing/Shelter Food All Services All Services Food Education ALL SERVICES Locate various community resources by zip code https://navigator.familydoctor.org/ THAW The Heat and Warmth Fund Thaw has funds available throut the Michigan Energy Assistance program. If you or someone you know needs assistance with their utilities click on the link above for more on how to get help. United Way 2-1-1 United Way for Southeast Michigan's 2-1-1 service provides referrals to programs in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Monroe and Lapeer counties, connecting users with more than 30,000 service providers throughout the state that can help with food, housing, utilities, medical bills, and more. You can get information online at United Way 2-1-1 , or by dialing 2-1-1 (or 1-800-552-1183 ). FOOD Locate food banks by zip code https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank Detroit-area food banks and kitchens Gleaners Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan - 2131 Beaufait St., Detroit, MI 48207, (866) 453-2637 Forgotten Harvest - A lways check location sites and bring a picture ID Yad Ezra Lighthouse Food Pantry City of Detroit Food Pickup Capuchin Soup Kitchen - (313) 579-2700 Redford Interfaith Relief - ( 313) 387.9802 CARES in Farmington Hills - (248) 474-8231 (Call to make an appointment for the food pantry.) HOUSING/SHELTER Wayne County Covenant House (housing, food, basic necessities such as showers, laundry, etc) Detroit Phoenix Center (Housing, Food assistance) Wayne Metro Community Action Agency Detroit Housing Commission Detroit Housing Wayne County Department of Health and Human Services Wayne (branches listed by zip code) United Community Housing Coalition , (313) 963-3310 Health Emergency Lifeline Program, 1726 Howard St., Detroit, MI 48216, (313) 832-3300 Oakland County The Sanctuary – Common Ground , 1228 S. Washington, Royal Oak, MI 48067, (248) 547-2260 INTERNET & DEVICE ACCESS FCC program for eligible households to provide low cost telephone and broadband internet service (Michigan is a participating state) Some internet providers are offering free services to low-income families and households with students. Free Comcast Xfinity internet: Comcast Xfinity is currently offering its Internet Essentials program free for two months to new customers. The internet provider is also automatically increasing speeds for all Internet Essentials customers. Comcast Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots are also open and free to use by anyone. Free internet for students from Charter Spectrum: Households with students K–12 or university students can sign up for a new Charter Spectrum internet account to get the first two months of internet with speeds up to 100 Mbps for free. Installation fees will be waived for those who qualify for the offer. Call 1-844-488-8395 to enroll. Spectrum Wi-Fi hotspots are also currently open and free to use. Free internet for students from Altice : Altice internet providers Suddenlink and Optimum are offering 60 days of free internet service for households with K–12 or college students. Internet speeds are up to 30 Mbps if you do not already have access to a home internet plan. To sign up, call 1-866-200-9522 if you live in an area with Optimum internet service, or call 1-888-633-0030 if you live in an area with Suddenlink internet service. AT&T : https://www.att.com/help/covid-19/ CLOTHING ● Salvation Army , Detroit: (313) 897-2914 ● Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries - (313) 366-3409 ● Christ Church of Redford - (313) 534-3436 ● Redford Interfaith Relief - (313) 387-9802 ● CARES in Farmington Hills - (248) 882-7800 MENTAL HEALTH & SUICIDE PREVENTION Michigan Mental Health Networker National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1 (800) SUICIDE (English) 1 (877) SUICIDA (Spanish) DetoxRehabs.net 24/7 Treatment call 1 (888)859-4403 EDUCATION For FREE COLLEGE click here!!! For those of you who are interested, the Michigan Reconnect is providing free tuition at your in-district community college to earn an associate degree or Pell-eligible skill certificate if you're 25+! Mental Health Housing Internet Clothing Back to the top Back to the top Back to the top SCDAA-MI’s services are available throughout Michigan and span lifetime needs. For more information: Call 313-864-4406 Email info@scdaami.org Contact our nearest satellite office: Adult Clinic Caseworker at DMC: (313) 864-4406 Benton Harbor/Kalamazoo Area: (313) 505-4081 Grand Rapids/Muskegon Area: (616) 426-9259 Jackson/Lansing Area: (800) 842-0973 Saginaw/Flint Area: (989) 372-025

contact us Volunteer Photo Release Client Feedback WE'RE NOW WORKING REMOTELY TO HELP PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY. PLEASE CALL FOR ASSISTANCE. THANK YOU! If you need assistance, have questions, or would like to partner in SCDAA-MI's work,our staff will be happy to help. Contact Us First Name Last Name Email Phone Type your message here... Thanks for reaching out! Submit Email: info@scdaami.org Detroit/SE Mich: 313-864-4406 or 800-842-0973 Children's Hospital SC Clinic: 313-745-5613 Sickle Cell Trait Counseling: 313-595-0541 School/Job Assistance: Our Address: 18516 James Couzens Fwy. Detroit, Michigan 48235 Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday You can also contact our nearest satellite offices: Detroit Area (313) 613-7327 Benton Harbor/Kalamazoo Area: (304) 404-4229 Grand Rapids/Muskegon Area: (616) 788-9816 Jackson/Lansing Area: (517) 249-9528 Saginaw/Flint Area: (989) 372-0256 Photo release Photo/Video Release The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America - Michigan Chapter, Inc. frequently takes photos and video at its events and activities and ask that participants sign a waiver allowing the use of their likeness in publications, our web site, social media sites, and other public forms. You will only need to complete this form once. If at any time you wish to revoke use of your likeness in the future, you must do so in writing. Children under 18 require consent from a parent or guardian. Please contact us with questions. Thank you! Download release form here . Please complete and return to info@scdaami.org

Sponsor Information Donate/Join/Fundraise Since the Walk is now virtual, registration is optional. You can turn your registration fee into a donation, join/create a team or become a fundraiser. Team Set Up Once you create a team, you'll get an email for page set up. We also have step-by-step instructions here to personalize your page. Sponsor Info Your company sponsorship heightens the visibility of your commitment to social responsibility. The return on investment benefits us all. Vendor/Exhibitor This year we're offering two vendor experiences: Both provide virtual promotion, one also offers limited sponsor benefits. Legacy Warriors Are you a sickle cell warrior who's 40 or older? We invite you to join our Legacy Salute! Sign up here by 9/5 to be included. Our 2020 Sickle Cell Matters Virtual Walk Sponsors Diamond Presenting Silver Copper Pfizer Donating to SCDAA-MI benefits the thousands of individuals who depend on our education, advocacy and awareness efforts. It also benefits your corporate responsibility goals. Honorary Chair: Deborah Smith Pollard Co-host of "Sunday Morning Inspiration" on MIX 92.3 FM and Professor of English Literature at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Honorary Co-Chair: Dr. Ahmar Zaidi Pediatric Oncologist/ Hematologist, Comprehensive Sickle Cell Clinic at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, and known to many as "Dr. Z". 2020 Sickle Cell Matters Walk sponsorships help provide educational and career resources to students and adults, ensure quality counseling services for navigating life with this chronic condition, offer a bridge to primary and specialty care for underserved individuals, support low-income clients in need of emergency financial assistance to meet basic needs, and more. Many of our sponsorships provide year-round engagement opportunities for companies and employees. Click here to download the sponsorship packet. We're also looking for community partners to serve on our Sickle Cell Matters Walk Host Committee. Click here to download the interest form. For more information, contact Stefanie Worth , Director of Operations & Outreach at 313-864-4406.

about us The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America - Michigan Chapter has been a leader in the sickle cell community since 1971. We are committed to improving the lives of people with sickle cell by keeping our mission at the center of everything we do. OUR HISTORY The History Maker Our success all started with the vision of Dr. Charles F. Whitten. His daughter Dr. Wanda Whitten-Shurney continues the work. Read More > OUR IMPACT EVERYBODY COUNTS Numbers, numbers, numbers. But here at SCDAA-MI, every statistic represents a real person we fight for every day. Read More > OUR BOARD LEADERSHIP MATTERS Our board members provide mission and operational oversight with passion, dedication, and expertise. Read More > OUR CEO SICKLE CELL CENTER Our CEO brings passion and drive on raising awareness in the community and helping individuals with sickle cell disease living a more comfortable lifestyle. She maximizes profits and provides leadership skills to fulfill the mission of the organization. Read More >

Since we have announced our Save the date for our 2021 Sickle Cell Matters Awareness Walk, We look forward to your participation! Here are highlights from last year's walk..... Enjoy!!!! I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. The Sickle Cell Matters Virtual Walk program starts at 10 :15 a.m. EST here and on Facebook @SickleCellMichigan! YOUR GUIDE TO THE daY* *Program times are approximate You can still donate to the 2020 Sickle Cell Matters Virtual Walk through September 30th. We appreciate your support! Donate to the cause or a team Click the image to download a PDF version of the day's agenda. 10:15 - WELCOME REMARKS SCDAA-MI CEO & Medical Director, Dr. Wanda Whitten-Shurney Honorary Chair, Deborah Smith-Pollard Honorary C-Chair, Dr. Ahmar Zaidi, "Dr. Z." 10:21 - #SICKLESLIDE Join Dr. Shurney and the staff of the Bottomless Toy Chest in the #SickleSlide 10:24 - WARRIOR RECOGNITIONS Tribute to Fallen Warriors - Those We've Lost 2020 Graduation Open House Celebration Salute to Legacy Warriors - Those 40 & Over 10:37 - MEET OUR SPONSORS Greetings from Medunik USA & What You Should Know About Sickle Cell Anemia Wayne County Community College District Tour Emmaus Life Sciences - About Endari 11:14 - PRODUCTS & SERVICES Pfizer - Functional Fluidics Sick Cells - Versiti - Terumo 11:16 - GIVEAWAYS & AWARDS 1st & 2nd Place Fundraising Teams (as of 9/12) Most Team Members (as of 9/12) T-Shirt/Poster Design Contest Winner Giveaway Winner From All Participants (as of 9/5 11:20 - TIME TO MOVE! Now's the time to move how you choose. Take your walk, do a little yoga, or head out to your ballot box to drop off your election ballot. Be sure to post your photos u sing #SickleCellMattersWalkMI #SickleCellMatters #SickleCellLivesMatter Dr. Wanda Whitten-Shurney Deborah Smith-Pollard Dr. Ahmar Zaidi Thank you for making our 2020 Sickle Cell Matters Virtual Walk a huge success! DONATE NOW Our 2020 Sickle Cell Matters Walk sponsors! Meet the Sponsors