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photo galleries 2019 event gallery 2018 Photo Gallery 2020 Photo Gallery Awareness Campaign Launch Celebrating 43 Years of Helping to Break the Sickle Cycle! The Cynthia Coles Circle 2019 Annual Sickle Cell Benefit Luncheon Saturday, May 18,2019 Guest Speaker Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist III Celebrating World Sickle Cell Day June 19, 2019 Thank you to all of our supporters! The Sickle Strong Empowerment Circle presents its 1st Annual Balloon Release June 19, 2019 World Sickle Cell Day Belle Isle Park Detroit, Michigan

our services Top of Page Newborn Screening Testing & Genetic Counseling Case Management Career Development Community Education 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 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: (989) 755-7752 Benton Harbor/Kalamazoo Area: (269) 927-5629 Grand Rapids/Muskegon Area: (616) 243-1868 ​

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Your gift to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America - Michigan Chapter helps ensure that counseling, educational, medical, and basic needs services are addressed for people with sickle cell. By supporting our work, you help improve lives. Thank you for your support! donation page Donate Now How much are you donating? $15 $25 $50 $75 $100 Other First Name Last Name I'd like this donation to remain anonymous Company Street Address City, STATE Zip Email Address Donating in honor of: DONATE Thank you for helping us improve the lives of people with sickle cell!

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 ​

Information for our sickle cell community during the COVID-19 pandemic Information surrounding COVID-19 changes rapidly. We'll continue providing updates here. HEALTH ALERT: What our Sickle Cell Community Needs to Know About the Coronavirus (COVID-19) from SCDAA PATIENTS RETURN TO WORK LETTER PROVIDERS SCD COVID-19 REGISTRY Be prepared, not scared! We encourage sickle cell patients to follow the guidance provided in the national Sickle Cell Disease Association of America's Health Alert and for everyone to practice sanitation and cleaning practices advised by the CDC, including avoiding crowds and gatherings (events, parties, church, etc.). Be aware that the virus can live on some surfaces for 2-3 days, and on clothing for unknown periods of time . Contact your doctor if you experience symptoms or have been in contact with COVID-19. ​ Do you need medical insurance? Or a primary care physician (PCP)? Are you feeling underprepared or overwhelmed? SCDAA-MI staff is still working to meet your needs - just remotely. Please contact us with questions or for assistance at (313) 864-4406 or (800) 842-0973 or info@scdaami.org . Information about COVID-19 Michigan COVID-19 News and Information COVID-19 guidance for sickle cell from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19 Info from Michigan Health Departments SCDAA-MI worksite protocols If you've been exposed to COVID-19 Resources for daily life during the pandemic Click here for a (PDF ) of the guide. La guía está disponible en español . Links to food, education, mental health resources and more. Job help : Unemployment information, guidelines for returning to work, and physician letters EMERGENCY PODCAST ON SICKLE CELL AND COVID-19 ​ If you need assistance navigating any of the services or resources listed above, please contact us: Detroit/SE Mich: (313) 864-4406 or (800)-842-0973 Children's Hospital SC Clinic: (313) 745-5613 Sickle Cell Trait Counseling: (313) 451-0014 School/Job Assistance: (734) 494-2119 ​ 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) 372-0256

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 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 ​ 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

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

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 Executive Assistant/Data Manager ​ Aaron Brown, B.S.W. 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 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 Khaleeda Robinson, B.S. Community Educator/Trait Counselor ​ Wanda Whitten-Shurney, M.D. CEO & Medical Director our staff

WAYS TO GIVE Donate online here Host a Facebook fundraiser: Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, Mondays - any day is a good day to rally your Facebook friends around our cause. Amazon: Give while you shop, through Amazon Smile. By selecting the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America - Michigan Chapter as your charitable recipient, Amazon will donate .5% of every eligible purchase to SCDAA-MI. All you have to do is shop. Amazon handles the rest. Text to give: Text FIVE to 52000. $5 will be added to your phone bill. (Message and data rates apply.) Kroger: Register your Kroger Rewards Card online at Kroger.com/communityrewards Enter SICKLE CELL DISEASE ASSOICATION OF AMERICA MI CHPT or 91452. (Sorry, but that is how it's spelled on that site!) Individual purchases will begin counting towards your organization within 7-10 days of registering the individual rewards cards on-line. Every time you shop for groceries and swipe your card, SCDAA-MI automatically starts earning a rebate. Kroger limits your quarterly household contribution to $300. By check or money order, mail to: SCDAAMI, 18516 James Couzens Fwy, Detroit MI 48235 CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS 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. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ For more information, contact Craig Bradley, Director of Operations & Outreach at 313-864.4406, ext. 111. ​ WHY DONATE? With nearly 3,300 people in Michigan living with sickle cell and approximately 1,700 of those people living in the metro Detroit area, our programs and services impact individuals, their families, and the community at large. Sickle cell affects three times as many people as cystic fibrosis in the U.S., yet receives approximately one-third the funding. Your support helps provide year-round education for physicians, patients and caregivers; appropriate medical care, trait testing campaigns, self-sustainability work, and more. Modern medicine has the capacity to help people with sickle cell thrive. Individuals living with the condition want improved quality of life and it’s our mission to make that happen. ways 2give QUICK ACCESS MENU DONATE FACEBOOK AMAZON KROGER SPONSORSHIPS QUESTIONS?