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2019 holidays Camp Cancellation2 WSU 02282020 Whitten-Shurney MD Register2 GivingTuesdayNow Walk promo IMG_0946 SCDAAMI Stabenow meeting Ahmar TEDx IMG_0943 iseeu 2023 Events Mark your calendar and join us for fun, educational, advocacy, and celebratory events throughout the year. (Virtual for now, of course.) SCDAA-MI Upcoming Events Flyers will be uploaded in the future. ​ ​ WORLD SICKLE CELL DAY - MONDAY, JUNE 19, 2023 ​ THE ANNUAL SICKLE CELL MATTERS AWARENESS WALK - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2023 (The Charles H. Wright Museum) ​ FLINT MICHIGAN SICKLE CELL AWARENESS WALK - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2023 Have questions? Need info? Want to send an idea for an educational topic? Contact us at info@scdaami.org or 313.864.4406.

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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 ​

our history The History of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America – Michigan Chapter The Passion Continues ​ OUR MISSION​ To maximize the life potential of individuals living with sickle cell disease To enable individuals with sickle cell trait to make informed decisions with respect to family planning. To provide education and testing for the general public ​ SCDAA-MI’s story began in August of 1971 at Kirwood Hospital when renowned pediatrician and sickle cell expert Dr. Charles F. Whitten founded the Sickle Cell Detection and Information Program. The agency’s creation was just one achievement on Dr. Whitten’s lengthy list of accomplishments. In 1956, he’d been selected as clinical director of pediatrics at Detroit Receiving Hospital – the first African American in the role. In 1960, he and Dr. Charles Wright founded the African Medical Education Fund. Nearly a decade later, he instituted Wayne State University’s Post Baccalaureate Enrichment Program after noticing that black students often needed additional preparation for medical school. Then in 1971 he formed the “Sickle Cell Center,” and along with Dorothy Boswell formed the National Association for Sickle Cell Disease (now the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America) that same year. He led the national organization for nearly 20 years. Over its 48 year history, the SCDAA-MI has held fast to its mission of improving the lives of individuals with sickle cell disease. Meanwhile, it has also grown in scope in response to evolving medical and social demands. Still situated on Detroit’s northwest side, in the original building of its founding, the agency completed purchase of its interconnected stretch of buildings in 1990. The structure contains 14 offices, a laboratory where free trait and disease screening is conducted, a conference room, and an educational wing. There is also ample outdoor space for client activities. SCDAA-MI is one of the only community-based organizations in the country responsible for overseeing a state-wide sickle cell program. After Dr. Whitten passed away in 2008, his daughter Wanda Whitten-Shurney, M.D. – a beloved pediatrician as well – stepped away from her role as Director of the Comprehensive Sickle Cell at Clinic Children’s Hospital of Michigan and assumed leadership of SCDAA-MI. Currently its CEO & Medical Director, she continues to steer the agency and manages to carve out time to care for newly-diagnosed infants at CHM as well. Dr. Shurney has been a familiar and caring face to hundreds of families whose children have received their out-patient care from her during her 30-year career. She has worked relentlessly to help kids and their families manage sickle cell, emphasizing education and coping strategies to help individuals enjoy healthier, more active lives. She also a member of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Sickle Cell Advisory Committee . Her passion for sickle cell patients and the people who love them continues. ​ LEARN MORE ​ ​Dr. Charles F. Whitten Black History Month Sickle Cell Pioneers Dr. Whitten's papers acquired by NIH library Dr. Wanda Whitten-Shurney Read more about Dr. Shurney in our media section

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

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 ​

Sickle Cell Disease Association of America - Michigan Chapter ​ Board of Directors Chairperson Kym L. Worthy Prosecutor, Wayne County District Jeffrey Sherbow, Esq, 1st Vice Chair, Attorney, Sherbow Law Office ​ Ms. Cheryl L. Haskett, Treasurer Finance Director & Consultant, YDB, Inc. Kathleen Neumann, Secretary Retired Regional Director, Judson Center ​ Sharada Sarnaik, M.D. , Assistant Secretary Retired Director, Comprehensive Sickle Cell Clinic Children's Hospital of Michigan ​ Sonja L. Banks, CEO, International Dyslexia Association, Inc . Barbara Cushing, M.D. Retired Pediatric Hematologist, CHM LeWanda Gipson Deputy Director, Matrix Human Services ​ Deborah Smith-Pollard, Ph.D. Associate Professor, U of M Dearborn ​ Beverly Watkins Systems Administration, Toyota ​ our board

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

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.

DONATE HERE!!! BECOME A SPONSOR Anchor 1 BECOME A VENDOR NOTICE! COMPLETELY VIRTUAL