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our services Top of Page Newborn Screening Testing & Genetic Counseling Case Management Career Development Community Education Case Management Career Development Newborn Screening Newborn Screening As of July 1987, every baby born in the state of Michigan is tested for sickle cell conditions by the Michigan Department of Community Health. This identification allows infants to receive lifesaving penicillin prophylaxis before the disease might be diagnosed from the occurrence of sickle cell disease symptoms. Newborn screening also enables families to receive early disease education and be aware of critical signs and symptoms that may require medical/lifesaving intervention. When an infant is diagnosed with sickle cell trait, the agency provides information to the family about the significance of the condition and free testing for other family members if desired. Return to top of page SCDAA-MI also helps with: Obtaining the required confirmatory test Education and genetic counseling Penicillin management Access to appropriate medical care Testing & Genetic Counseling The function of the testing program is to determine whether a person is at risk for having a child with sickle cell disease. The non-directive counseling program provides detailed and accurate information about sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease for those identified as carriers. This will enable individuals and couples to make informed decisions that they believe are in their best interest regarding family planning. Return to top of page Offices is closed to the public due to Covid. Remote Hours M-F 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. . Case Management Services One of the major functions of the social work program is to assure that clients have access to adequate medical care. Our focus is to provide comprehensive client centered services which lead to empowerment and self-sufficiency. Community Health Workers/Patient Advocates provide public education, social work services and care coordination services to children and adults with sickle cell disease throughout Michigan at Children’s Hospital of Michigan and other local health institutions covering Lansing, Pontiac, Jackson, Ann Arbor, Flint, Saginaw, Kalamazoo, Benton Harbor, Grand Rapids and Muskegon. Services also include trait follow-up and conducting an annual psychosocial assessment for families with appropriate follow-up. The services provided include: Client advocacy Individual and family counseling Disease education Medical referrals Trait follow up Annual psychosocial assessment and follow up Navigating insurance Assistance finding primary care and specialty physicians Assistance with basic needs Return to top of page For assistance with the above matters, please contact your nearest office below or email info@scdaami.org : Metro Detroit (313) 864-4406 Jackson/Lansing Area: (517) 394-7397 Saginaw/Flint Area: (989) 755-7752 Benton Harbor/ Kalamazoo Area: (269) 927-5629 Grand Rapids/ Muskegon Area: (616) 243-1868 Career Development The Career Development Program assists individuals with a sickle cell disease ages 14 and above to plan and achieve a career goal leading to satisfactory employment. We offer clients a six-stage career development course to aid in gainful and satisfactory employment. Other services provided include: Vocational Counseling and Testing Information about Financial Aid College Planning Resume Preparation and Interviewing Skills Assistance with Summer Employment for ages 14-21 Job Replacement and Retention Assistance Summer Reading Enrichment Program for grades K-12 Referral Services Alternative work programs Disability and accommodations assistance for school (including college) and work Resources currently utilized are Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth Michigan Rehabilitation Service (MRS) and the Social Security Administration’s Work Incentive program. Return to top of page For career assistance, contact Jerica McBride at 313-864-4406, ext. 109, or email her at mcbridej@scdaami.org . Community Education Our free summer camp experience provides a unique opportunity for our children to gain self-confidence and independence. It also helps parents overcome issues of over protectiveness which may occur when raising a child with a chronic illness. Children ages 8-17 are able to participate in activities including swimming, boating, horseback riding, crafts, archery and much more. The Public Education Program is designed to increase awareness and educate the general public. Our goal is to provide meaningful and accurate information regarding all sickle cell conditions. The following services are available: Group Presentations Media Presentations Health Fair Displays Printed Material Workshops and training sessions Return to top of page Keep up with our latest events . For additional information on services, email info@scdaami.org or call 313-864-4406 Testing & Genetic Counseling Community Education 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: Jackson/Lansing Area: (517) 394-7397 Saginaw/Flint Area: (800) 842-0973 Benton Harbor/Kalamazoo Area: (269) 927-5629 Grand Rapids/Muskegon Area: (616) 243-1868

sickle cell disease Living with sickle cell disease isn't easy, but proper knowledge about the condition will help patients live a longer, healthier life and guide trait carriers in making educated child-bearing decisions. Symptoms & Complications Sickle cell trait Top A history of sickle cell What Is Sickle Cell Disease? Sickle cell is an inherited blood disorder in which the red blood cells change their shape. It is a genetic abnormality and is caused by an abnormal type of hemoglobin, called hemoglobin S or sickle hemoglobin. Normal red blood cells have a disc-like shape, but in patients of sickle cell disease, they take on a crescent or sickle shape. Normal blood cells carry oxygen to the body, but altered cells cannot move easily through your blood vessels, which affects the oxygen supply. These altered cells cannot carry oxygen properly because when they release oxygen, it sticks together and changes the shape of the red blood cell. Prevalence of Sickle Cell Disease Sickle cell has existed for thousands of years and millions of people around the world suffer from the disease, but it's more common in people with an African bloodline. It is also quite common in people whose ancestors come from the Arabian Peninsula; Mediterranean countries such as Turkey, Greece, and Italy; Central America; Spanish-speaking regions in South America; and parts of the Caribbean. As a whole, it affects approximately 100,000 Americans and is the most common heritable blood disorder in the U.S. How Do You Inherit Sickle Cell Disease? Sickle cell disease is not contagious – you're born with it. A child may have this disease when he/she inherits one hemoglobin S gene from each parent. About 1 in every 365 African American babies are born with sickle cell each year and. While the disease primarily affects African Americans and people of color - including individuals of Hispanic and Middle Eastern descent, anyone can inherit sickle cell if the genetics are in place. There are also other sickle cell mutations, including Hemoglobin SC disease and hemoglobin Sβ thalassemia, the two most common. Sickle Cell Trait If you inherit only one sickle hemoglobin gene from a parent you will carry the sickle cell trait. While the trait was once thought to be innocuous, in recent years more has been learned about carriers. People with the trait are more likely to suffer from conditions such as urinary tract infections or blood in the urine. Even athletes with sickle cell trait are now advised to take special precautions with their health. Learn more about sickle cell trait sickle cell trait Artwork copyright Ebony.com . Explore More In-Depth Information American Society of Hematology ASH Centers for Disease Control CDC National Institutes of Health NIH Back to the top Sickle Cell Disease: Milestones in Research and Clinical Progress (REVISED September 2018) - download here History A History of Sickle Cell Download the PDF here Back to the top

sickle cell conditions SCROLL Sickle cell disease is the most common heritable blood disorder in the U.S. It affects 100,00 people, most of them living healthier and longer lives than would've been possible one or two generations ago. The disease is chronic, complex and challenging. But at the SCDAA-MI, we are resilient and resourceful - committed to improving lives. We're here to win. DISEASE & TRAIT What & How Learn about the history, transmission and variability of sickle cell disease, and what we're discovering about trait. Read More PATIENT SUPPORT Find Answers You have questions, we're here to help you get answers. Cut through the internet chatter with credible tips, tools and insights. Read More TREATMENTS Is there a cure? A universal cure isn't here yet, but there are disease-altering treatments for children & adults that you should know about. Read More SAFE(R) Stay SAFER in the ER Learn more about our SAFE(R) initiative and the evidence-based guidelines in place for emergency sickle cell care. 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 over 50 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 with your vote or raise awareness by driving with a purpose! 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.

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SICKLE CELL 911: FAST ACCESS TO GUIDELINES & BETTER CARE Empowering medical professionals to implement evidence-based sickle cell action. Amplifying the patient's voice in care. OPIOIDS & SCD NIH GUIDELINES COMPLICATIONS ASH POCKET GUIDES ABOUT SAFE(R) SICKLE CELL 911 Resources for Provider Education Access/download a compilation of the NIH guides specific to SAFE(R). PARTNER WITH SAFER Improving Emergency Department-Based Care of Sickle Cell Pain "Presented in this article are 4 tenets of implementing guideline-adherent emergency sickle cell care gleaned from the available literature and continuous quality improvement efforts at our institution." . . ."Application of the principles discussed within can improve patient and provider satisfaction, quality, and safety." (From the American Society of Hematology) PDF Online American College of Emergency Physicians ACEP's Emergency Department Sickle Cell Care Coalition offers a substantial list of training and informational resources for medical professionals providing treatment in emergency and acute care settings here . Acute and Emergency Department Assessment and Treatment Sickle Cell Disease Care in the Emergency Department: Improvement Initiatives and Ongoing Research (1 hour) - a webinar from NIH, OMH and ACEP. SCD Core Concepts for the Physician and Nurse - Sickle Cell Pain (PowerPoint): A presentation from Duke University and The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Emergency care for sickle cell – Podcast (1 hour): A focus on assessment and treatment. NOTE: The interviewer uses the term "sickler" throughout the podcast. This term in NOT well-received by sickle cell patients here. Sickle Cell is More Than Pain: Managing Complications Major Complications of Sickle Cell Disease and Nursing Implications - PDF download Sickle Cell Disease: When to Transfuse Learn about indications for blood transfusion in patients with sickle cell disease, the complications associated with these transfusions, and how you can help reduce the risk for these complications in your patients. Sickle Cell Disease TeleECHO Clinic - Didactic Video Series Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is an internationally recognized telementoring innovation that build clinician knowledge in diagnosing and treating complex disorders. Project ECHO connects local clinicians with experts from sickle cell centers to learn skills necessary to deliver high quality sickle cell disease care using this proven telementoring model. Via Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Helpful Contextual Videos About Sickle Cell Disease Dr. Ahmar Zaidi at TEDxDetroit (10 min): Dr. Ahmar Zaidi, pediatric hematologist/oncologist at the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Clinic at Children's Hospital of Michigan discusses the systemic disparities that further threaten the well-being of people who live with sickle cell's life-threatening impact. Experts address the prevalence and overall burden of sickle cell disease across the globe and the role of community physicians in managing the disease via HCP Live Peer Exchange (5 min) Dr Ahmar Zaidi on Efforts Needed to Address Complications of Sickle Cell Disease (1 min): Ahmar Zaidi, MD, pediatric hematologist-oncologist, Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, Children's Hospital of Michigan, discusses the need for more efforts from both the medical community and regulators to address the psychosocial complications of sickle cell disease. Ongoing Educational Opportunities "This practical toolkit provides clinicians with materials and resources to engage with patients and educate them about sickle cell disease. Use the toolkit with patients individually or in group education settings to help build a strong foundation for shared decision-making regarding treatment goals and preferences, transitions of care, and individualized treatment plans." Learn more . The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health offers the Sickle Cell Disease Training And Mentoring Program (STAMP) a free sickle cell disease telehealth series for primary care providers. Learn more . SOURCES: Medscape https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/891436?src=par_cdc_stm_mscpedt&faf=1; Ward, R, Helman, A, Foote, J. Emergency Management of Sickle Cell Disease. Emergency Medicine Cases. August, 2015. https://emergencymedicinecases.com/emergency-management-of-sickle-cell-disease/. Accessed 02-18-2020; American College of Emergency Physicians, https://www.acep.org/by-medical-focus/hematology/sickle-cell/resources/. Accessed 04-28-2020. Prime Education LLC, https://primeinc.org/cme/monograph/3412/Transforming_Clinical_Outcomes_for_Patients_with_Sickle_Cell_Disease:_The_Power_of_Collaborative_Patient-Provider_Partnerships?utm_source=scdaa&utm_medium=email1&utm_campaign=83pr201. Accessed 09-11-2020.

External jobs/ careers Dedicated Career Opportunities The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America – Michigan Chapter (SCDAA-MI), offers external job postings that attract a diverse pool of qualified candidates, helping them find the right talent to drive growth and success in a environment that is suitable to their educational and experienced background. Please see below of a list of job positions that are available in other companies seeking individuals who qualify. Since we are a community based organization, are goal is to improve the well-being of the community it serves, whether that's through economic growth, educational opportunities, job opportunities, healthcare access, or social services Position Available: Bronson Careers The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America - Michigan Chapter and our affiliates are an Equal Opportunity Employer

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symptoms& complications Info You Should Know: Symptoms and Complications of Sickle Cell Disease (Although the language here is directed to parents, this list applies to both children and adults with sickle cell. When in doubt, please contact your medical provider or go to the hospital.) NIH NHLBI g uidelines for treating complications Anemia Your baby may have this condition if he/she lacks the number of healthy blood cells required to carry sufficient oxygen to the rest of the body. Some of the most common symptoms include paleness, low energy, breathing problems, and slower growth. Treatment: The doctor will consider the severity of the symptoms to suggest a treatment plan, but they may rely on antibiotics and blood transfusion to treat the condition. Acute Chest Syndrome It could be an extremely painful and serious situation because it restricts blood flow to the lungs. Some common signs and symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems, and fever. Treatment: The doctor may recommend treatment with blood transfusions, antibiotic medicine, pain medicine, and oxygen to help improve breathing. Pain Pain is common and happens when sickled cells restrict blood flow. Pain can be anywhere in the body – it can be in organs and joints as well. The pain may continue for a few hours or extend to days and even weeks. It is important to give your child plenty of fluids, maintain temperature, and keep them from high altitudes to limit pain episodes. Treatment: Some of the most common treatment options include heating pads, prescription pain medicine, OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen, and hydroxyurea to help produce a specific type of hemoglobin. Extended pain requires hospitalization and narcotic medications. Hand-Foot Syndrome A child may experience pain, coldness, or swelling in the feet and hands when the sickle cells affect the blood supply to these limbs. Treatment: The doctor may rely on certain pain-relieving medicine to treat the symptoms. Giving your child plenty of fluids may also help. Splenic Crisis Sometimes, sickled cells accumulate in the spleen and clog it. This leads to swelling that prevents the spleen from filtering blood in the body. Specific signs include weakness, pain on the left side of the belly, and a rapid heart rate. Treatment: The usual treatment option is blood transfusion. The doctor may also consider removing the spleen iif splenic crisis becomes a regular issue. Infection Your child may have to fight with several infections including the infection of the lining of the brain and lung infection. Signs and symptoms include breathing problems, fever, coughing, headaches, and pain in the bones. An oral temperature over 100.3 requires a trip to the emergency room to help prevent bacterial sepsis. Treatment: It is important to prevent an infection from happening by staying up to date on vaccinations. If your child gets an infection, your doctor may recommend some antibiotics to clear the infection. Taking antibiotics regularly may help prevent infections when your baby is between 2 months and 5 years of age. Stroke Those altered red blood cells may restrict blood flow to the brain, which sometimes leads to a stroke. The most common symptoms include weakness on one side of the body, severe headache, and changes in speech, alertness, hearing, or vision. Treatment: Your child's healthcare provider will first notice these symptoms and then ask for an ultrasound, called Doppler ultrasound, to determine your child's risk for stroke. Vision Loss Blindness and other vision problems may happen when these cells block blood supply to your child's eyes. Sometimes, the cells block the blood flow to a specific part of the brain that leads to vision loss. Treatment: A regular eye exam with an ophthalmologist is necessary to avoid such issues, but your doctor may also recommend additional eye treatment to prevent further damage. More on major complications and their treatments from the CDC

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Explore More In-Depth Information American Society of Hematology Centers for Disease Control National Institutes of Health The Problem with Sickled Cells (video) A Century of Progress A History of Sickle Cell Sickle Cell Trait Sickle Cell Trait Facts Know Your Trait Status Sickle cell trait info from the CDC NCAA Fact Sheet for Student Athletes Testing for sickle cell trait and disease Symptoms & Complicatons Symptoms and Complications Anemia Acute Chest Syndrome Pain Hand-Foot Syndrome Splenic Crisis Infection Stroke Vision Loss More info from the CDC Treatments Feb. 29, 2020 treatment workshop videos Bone marrow and stem cell transplants Medications Penicillin Hydroxyurea Endari Adakveo Oxbryta Transfusions Media News & Multimedia SCDAA-MI Out and About News From Around the Community Patient & caregiver-focused videos Provider-focused sickle cell videos Press Releases E-newsletters News archive Coronavirus / COVID-19 Info & Resources Section 1 Coronavirus / COVID-19 Info & Resources SCDAA sickle cell/COVID-19 guidelines Patient Provider SCD COVID Registry Contact info for Drs. 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Volunteer Sickle Cell 911 SCDAA sickle cell/COVID-19 provider guidelines SCD COVID Registry ASH COVID FAQs SAFE(R) card and accompanying NIH guidelines NIH and AHRQ ER triage guidelines NIH Sickle Cell Pain Algorithm How to conduct a sickle cell assessment (6 min video) High ER utilization and perceptions of addiction/drug-seeking behavior (3 min video) About the SAFE(R) Initiative CDC clarification on opioids for sickle cell disease NIH Guidelines NIH full recommendations NIH quick guide to recommendations NIH guidelines – acute care breakout (11 complications) ASH pocket guides for acute and non-acute care management Management of acute complications of sickle cell All pocket guides Cardiopulmonary and kidney disease Health maintenance and management of chronic complications Hydroxyurea and transfusion therapy About SAFE(R) SAFE(R) card How to partner Provider and patient anecdotes CDC opioid guidance for sickle cell HHS Asst. Sec’y for health comment Office of Minority Health statistic SCD Education Resources for provider education Improving Emergency Department-Based Care of Sickle Cell Pain American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Resources Acute and Emergency Department Assessment and Treatment Sickle Cell is More Than Pain: Managing Complications Helpful Contextual Videos About Sickle Cell Disease Ongoing Educational Opportunities Events Event Calendar 2020 Sickle Cell Matters Walk Register today Set up your team Sponsor info Vendor reservation Volunteer Warrior Stroll Salute to Legacy Warriors Virtual Summit Leadership and Key Volunteers Who to contact 2019 Event Gallery Cynthia Coles Circle Luncheon, May 18 World Sickle Cell Day, June 19 Sickle Strong Empowerment Circle Balloon Launch, June 19 2019 Sickle Cell Matters Walk 2018 Gallery 2018 Sickle CELLabration World Sickle Cell Day 2018 2018 Sickle Cell Matters Awareness Walk 2018 Cynthia Coles Circle Benefit Luncheon Campaign Awareness Launch More Contact Us Client Feedback Volunteer Search Client Assistance Phone numbers to reach our patient advocate and social work staff throughout the state of Michigan.

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