Last week, we learned about the origins of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. (SCDAA) and the vision for a national coordinated approach to addressing sickle cell disease. This week, our #SCDHistoryHighlight draws attention to the important community-based organizations that joined us in our fight and served as our foundation.
During the summer of 1971, the vision for SCDAA – National was formed during a meeting with the 15 member organizations that would soon become our original member organizations. Many of these groups were providing essential support and services to their communities for years prior to this meeting. Each organization offered key perspectives on our shared needs and strategies for reaching our goals. Before too long, SCDAA grew to include other early member organizations, including:
- SCDAA State Association (Alabama)
- SCDAA Mobile Chapter (Alabama)
- SCDAA San Diego (California)
- SCDAA Connecticut Chapter
- SCDAA Florida State Association
- SCDAA Dade County Chapter (Florida)
- SCDAA Escambia (Florida)
- SCDAA Northeast Florida
- SCDAA St. Petersburg Chapter (Florida)
- Uriel Owens Sickle Cell Disease Association of the Midwest (Kansas)
- SCDAA – Northwest Louisiana Chapter
- SCDAA Michigan Chapter
- SCDAA Kansas City (Missouri)
- SCDAA Metro St. Louis (Missouri)
- SCDAA Buffalo & Western New York
- SCDAA South Piedmont (North Carolina)
- SCDAA Eastern North Carolina
- SCDAA Ohio Sickle Cell and Health Association
- SCDAA Oklahoma
- SCDAA – Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter (Pennsylvania)
- SCDAA Texas State Association
- SCDAA Dallas (Texas)
- SCDAA Ft. Worth (Texas)
- SCDAA Texas Gulf Coast (Texas)
- SCDAA San Antonio (Texas)
While some of these organizations have changed their names and others have closed, many are still working to advance progress in their communities today. Organizations like, the SCDAA Mobile Chapter, SCDAA Connecticut (now known as Michelle’s House), SCDAA Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties, SCDAA St. Petersburg Chapter, SCDAA Dade County Chapter, Sickle Cell Disease Association of Florida, Uriel Owens Sickle Cell Disease Association of the Midwest, SCDAA Northwest Louisiana Chapter, SCDAA Michigan Chapter, Ohio Sickle Cell and Health Association and SCDAA – Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter remain committed SCDAA member organizations – over 50 years later.
Our member organizations have always been crucial to our mission. As our boots on the ground, they do incredibly important work that is tailored to the communities they serve. Each of these member organizations holds a well-deserved place in SCDAA history.
