Search

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 ​

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 SICKLE CELL CENTER 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 STAFF 200 YEARS The SCDAA-MI staff brings more than 200 years of experience to its mission of changing the world of sickle cell. Read More >

Sickle Cell Disease Association of America - Michigan Chapter Staff Tracie L. Conic, M.A., B.S.W ​Director of Client Services/HIPAA Compliance Officer ​ ​ Tonya Ashwood-Malone Data Manager ​ Khaleeda Robinson, MPH., B.S. Community Health Worker/Patient Advocate Detroit Michael Copeland, B.S. Community Health Worker/Patient Advocate Grand Rapids/Muskegon Area Jessica Williams​ Program Assistant Ben Frazier, B.S.W. Community Health Worker/Patient Advocate Saginaw/Flint Area Melanie Greer, B.S. Community Health Worker/Patient Advocate Benton Harbor/Kalamazoo ​ ​ ​ ​ Craig Bradley Director of Operations & Outreach ​ Darlene Hunt Maintenance/Courier Kristal Johnson-Cobb Administrative Assistant Cree King-Jackson Executive Assistant/Newborn Screening Assistant ​ Clifton Kirkman II Social Media Specialist ​ Jerica McBride, M.A. Education/Career Coordinator ​ Angela McCreary, B.S.W. Community Health Worker/Patient Advocate Lansing/Jackson Area Richard Reed Finance Manager ​ Wanda Whitten-Shurney, M.D. CEO & Medical Director our staff

sickle cell treatments While there is no universal cure for sickle cell disease (yet), there are several therapeutic approaches to relieve symptoms, reduce complications, and extend life. Early treatment (by eight weeks) by a hematologist is critical for newborns. Beginning a course of prophylactic penicillin at age two months was a historic intervention in changing the course of childhood sickle cell survival. View our Feb. 29th Treatment Workshop where we discussed all the current treatments available to cure sickle cell. CLICK TO PLAY ON FACEBOOK Part 1 with Dr. Wanda Whitten-Shurney (44 mins) CLICK TO PLAY ON FACEBOOK Part 2 with Dr. Ahmar Zaidi (58 mins) The only cure for sickle cell disease is a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. Most sickle cell disease transplants are currently performed in children who have had complications such as strokes, acute chest crises, and recurring pain crises. These transplants usually use a matched donor. Blood and bone marrow transplants are riskier in adults. Read more ​ Medicines can reduce or alleviate symptoms and complications and prolong life. Penicillin In children who have sickle cell disease, taking penicillin two times a day has been shown to reduce the chance of having a severe infection caused by the pneumococcus bacteria. Newborns need to take liquid penicillin. Older children can take tablets. ​ Many doctors will stop prescribing penicillin after a child has reached the age of 5. Some prefer to continue this antibiotic throughout life, particularly if a person has hemoglobin SS or hemoglobin Sβ0 thalassemia, since people who have sickle cell disease are still at risk. All people who have had surgical removal of the spleen, called a splenectomy, or a past infection with pneumococcus should keep taking penicillin throughout life. Hydroxyurea Hydroxyurea is an oral medicine that has been shown to reduce or prevent several sickle cell disease complications. This medicine was studied in patients who have sickle cell disease, because it was known to increase the amount of fetal hemoglobin (hemoglobin F) in the blood. Increased hemoglobin F provides some protection against the effects of hemoglobin S. ​ Watch Dr. Shurney’s animated video about Hydroxyurea and how it works Endari Approved by the FDA for sickle cell use in 2017, Endari is an oral L-glutamine therapy for sickle cell disease and sickle cell thalassemia that reduces the acute complications of sickle cell disease in adults and children 5 years and older. It works by increasing the amount of glutamine in the blood. The added glutamine is taken up by the defective sickle cells, and when metabolized (broken down) results in the release of antioxidants.Common side effects include constipation, nausea, headache, abdominal pain, cough, pain in the extremities, back pain and chest pain. Patient web site Endari co-pay assistance Adakveo In 2019, the FDA also approved a new medicine to reduce the number of pain crises experienced by adults and children 16 years and older who have sickle cell disease. The medicine, which is given through an IV in the vein, helps prevent blood cells from sticking to blood vessel walls and causing blood flow blockage, inflammation, and pain crises. Possible side effects include nausea, joint pain, back pain, and fever. Patient resources web site Downloadable patient brochure ​ Oxbryta The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new medicine in 2019 to treat sickle cell disease in adults and children 12 years and older. The oral medicine prevents red blood cells from forming the sickle shape and binding together. This may decrease the destruction of some red blood cells, which in turn lowers the risk for anemia and improves blood flow to your organs. Possible side effects include headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, and fever. Rarely, allergic reactions may occur, causing rashes, hives, or mild shortness of breath. Talk to your doctor about other medicines you take. Patient web site Caregiver tips Downloadable patient information leaflet Transfusions are often used in acute or preventive situations. Transfusions are administered to treat and prevent certain sickle cell disease complications. These transfusions may include: Acute transfusion to treat complications that cause severe anemia. Doctors may also use transfusions when a patient has an acute stroke, in many cases of acute chest crises, and in multi-organ failure. A patient who has sickle cell disease usually receives blood transfusions before surgery, to prevent complications. Red blood cell transfusions to increase the number of red blood cells and provide normal red blood cells that are more flexible than red blood cells with sickle hemoglobin. Regular or ongoing blood transfusions for people who have had an acute stroke, to reduce the chances of having another stroke. Doctors also recommend blood transfusions for children who have abnormal transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound results, because transfusions can reduce the chance of having a first stroke. ​ There are other treatments for specific complications. Be mindful that not all treatments work for everyone. Some people find success with alternative treatments as well, including medical marijuana (be knowledgeable about legalities that may impact school, work and overall health). To stay as healthy as possible, patients should be sure to get regular medical care that includes a pediatrician (for children) or primary care physician (for adults) and a hematologist and work with them to create the best individual care plan. Patients should also live a healthy lifestyle and avoid triggers that may cause a pain crisis. ​ ​ Page sources: NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, FDA.gov, Endari, Adakveo, Oxbryta ​

2018 event gallery 2020 Photo Gallery 2019 Photo Gallery Awareness Campaign Launch 2018 SICKLE CELLebration Boll Family YMCA Detroit Saturday, September, 22, 2018 June 19th - World Sickle Cell Day! Saturday, June 9th, 2018 #Sicklecellmatters Awareness Walk Palmer Park, Detroit, Michigan Friendship Baptist Church presents The 42nd Annual Cynthia Coles Circle Benefit Luncheon

We are deeply grateful for the generous support of our funders, sponsors and donors. SCDAA-MI is committed to continue delivering dedicated comprehensive services with passion and compassion to help people with sickle cell live their best lives possible as we enlighten the medical establishment and keep reaching for a cure. ​ Thank You Jalen Graham! SCDAAMI is thankful to Jalen Graham (Purdue Football Star, native Detroiter and Cass Technical High School Alum) as he presents proceeds of his #GetSeriousAboutSickleCell t-shirt campaign in memory of his Aunt Leslie Clemons and in honor of all Sickle Cell Warriors! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ HRSA This Non Profit Program/Organization is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of awards totaling $244,000. With 0 % financed with non-governmental sources. The programming contents are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov. ​ ​ ALTRIA Thank you for the grant to support our mission to raise awareness about sickle cell disease. ​ our donors

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) SCD EDUCATION Learn more about implementing SAFER for sickle cell patients in your medical practice, facility, hospital system or agency.

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.

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

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. sickle cell trait Sickle Cell Trait Facts ​ In some people the red blood cells can take on the shape of a farmer’s sickle. If you are born with this gene from one parent you have SICKLE CELL TRAIT. If you are born with this gene from both parents you have SICKLE CELL DISEASE. A person with sickle cell DISEASE has sickle cells in the blood stream which can cause health problems Such as pain, infection and anemia. A person with sickle cell TRAIT does not have sickle cells in the blood stream and does not have a disease. They're considered to be a carrier. If both parents have sickle cell TRAIT, each time a child is born there is a 25% (1 in 4) chance the child will have sickle cell DISEASE. This doesn't mean that if you have four children, one of them will have a chance of being born with sickle cell disease. It means that each child has a 25% chance of being born with the disease. There are two other fairly common traits that can also result in having a child with sickle cell disease: h emoglobin C trait and thalassemia trait. ​ Since you do not get sick from any of these traits, you may have one of them and not know it. People of childbearing age should know if they have any of these traits so that they can make informed decisions regarding family planning. ​ Know your trait status! View and download the full infographic here . SCDAA-MI offers free testing for sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease at its office: 18516 James Couzens Fwy, Detroit, MI 48235. Appointments and walk-ins are welcome. Call or contact us for more information. More info on the CDC's sickle cell trait site. Learn more about the NCAA and sickle cell trait

2020 Vendor & Exhibitor Form 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. Vendor and Exhibitor reservations are accepted on a first come-first served basis. Check or money order reservations must be mailed to be received by our office no later than September 10, 2020. Online reservations using a bank account or credit card can be made on this page up until September 15, 2020. Please make your display selection: $100 - Vendor $500 - Exhibitor Vendor & Exhibitor Form Your support helps us change lives! Company/Organization Contact Name Address City, State Zip Code Email Address Phone Web Site URL and company/product description Service area (check all that apply) Health & Wellness Financial Education Retail Youth Development Beauty & Fashion Other Please indicate your display choice: Exhibitor experience - $125 Vendor experience - $50 Nonprofit supporter - $0 For nonprofit orders, please see instructions. SUBMIT YOUR ORDER Clicking submit will take you to the payment page. Exhibitor: $125 Virtual recognition to promote your business or organization: (1) pre- and (1) post-event social media mention; inclusion in our day-of online vendor presentation with business description and link included in Facebook post; listing on our web site’s Walk sponsor page; (1) business card ad on our web site's "classified" page; (1) business card ad in our fall e-newsletter. ​ Vendor: $50 Virtual recognition to promote your business or organization: inclusion in our day-of online vendor presentation, name listing on our web site's "classified" page; (1) business card ad in our fall e-newsletter. Nonprofit: FREE Virtual recognition to promote your business or organization: name listing on our web site's "classified" page; (1) business card ad in our fall e-newsletter. You must complete your reservation manually and mail (see address below) or email along with a copy of your 501(c)3 IRS Determination Letter. ​ Please note the following: ​ Check or money order reservations must be received in our office by September 10, 2020. ​ Make check or money order payable to SCDAA-MI. Mail to: SCDAA-Michigan, ATTN: Tracie Conic - Walk Vendor, 18516 James Couzens Fwy, Detroit, MI 48235 ​ Online reservations using a bank account or credit card can be made through this page up until September 15, 2020. ​ Questions? Please email Tracie Conic or call (313) 864-4406. Thank you for your support!

sickle cell conditions 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. SCROLL 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