About Us
The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Miami-Dade County
Chapter, Inc. was founded in 1978 as the Dade County Sickle Cell
Foundation, Inc. We changed our name in 1995 to comply with other
local affiliates of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America,
Inc. (SCDAA). Its membership is comprised of lay persons as well
as medical and allied health professionals. It is the successor
of the Dade County Sickle Cell Advisory Council which was established
as the "community arm" of the University of Miami Comprehensive
Sickle Cell Center in 1973.
The Miami-Dade County Chapter, Inc. is affiliated with the SCDAA,
the National Voluntary Health Agency and the affiliated Combined
Federal Campaign. It is a charitable non-profit organization that
is exempt from taxes under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
Code.
SCDAA Miami-Dade County Chapter, Inc. works closely with the University
of Miami Sickle Cell Center in achieving its goals. It is, however,
an independent and autonomous organization and reaches out to help
all individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease in
the Greater Miami-Dade County Community. It is funded by contributions
from fraternal, civic and social organizations, individual donors
and corporations.
Purpose
SCDAA Miami-Dade County Chapter, Inc. was established to encourage
and support education, testing and genetic counseling in the hemoglobinopathies
(sickle cell disease and related conditions); to encourage and support
research in sickle cell diseases and related disorders; to encourage
and support effective and sensitive medical treatment for persons
with sickle cell diseases; to solicit and secure funds for the support
of programs that provide these services and to provide additional
direct services to persons with sickle cell diseases and their families.
Public Education
Education is a very important component of the SCDAA Miami-Dade
County Chapter. It continues to participate in various community
affairs to inform people about sickle cell disease: Each educational
activity is designed to make people aware of sickle cell anemia
and sickle cell trait, to motivate them to be tested, and to build
support for servicing programs.
Some of its members are part of the Sickle Cell Speakers Bureau,
which provides information to organized groups interested in knowing
more about sickle cell disease. The SCDAA sponsors the educational
material available at the University of Miami Sickle Cell Center.
Social Services
The sickle cell program at the University of Miami attempts to provide
a multifaceted social services program to help patients feel confident
about themselves and their future, to help family members lessen
the impact of this chronic disease, and to resolve any problems
that may prevent patients from taking advantage of opportunities
for treatment.
Services Include:
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Personal and family counseling
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Direct assistance, referrals and follow-up
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Self-help, support groups facilitated by a social
worker
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Youth group founded to improve patients' self-esteem
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Financial assistance to families who qualify
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Direct assistance for transportation and medical supplies (purchases
and rentals)
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Food gift certificates at Thanksgiving, Christmas and special
occasions
