Become a Member

Our member organizations are at the heart of SCDAA. These groups provide direct support and advocacy to community members across 29 states and allow us to reach more people and make a greater impact. We offer membership to independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations across the United States to join us in our efforts to provide education, increase awareness, support individuals living with sickle cell disease and sickle trait and their families and find a universal cure for this life-threatening disease.

Why Become a Member Organization?

SCDAA is the national leader in sickle cell outreach and advocacy. We value the work of our member organizations, and we work collaboratively across the country to affect positive change at the national, state and local levels. By joining us as a member organization, you demonstrate your commitment and dedication to your cause and community. SCDAA members also gain access to exclusive support from the national office to support their reach and mission.

Membership Requirements:

SCDAA accepts 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations which have been in operation for at least one year, are in good standing the Secretary of State and have a mission focused on serving the sickle cell disease community. Our member organizations fall into one or more of the following categories:

  • Direct Service Agency – Organizations providing case management, testing and screening, counseling and/or medical home assistance and other direct support services to warriors and their families.
  • Support Service Agency – Organizations supporting and providing resources to warriors and their families who need help with medical bills, transportation, career counseling/planning, medical co-pays, funerals/burials, housing, clothing, food, SSI/Disability, insurance applications and more.
  • Advocacy Service Agency – Organizations dedicated to raising awareness by disseminating SCD/SCT information, attending health fairs and participating and/or hosting local advocacy events.

Membership Benefits:

  • Leadership & Capacity Building: Members-only sessions like the monthly Leadership Academy strengthen our member organizations’ capacity as well as management, advocacy, and engagement skills. During our two-day, in-person Advocacy Days events, members learn more about key policy issues and meet with federal legislators on topics affecting the sickle cell community.
  • Advocacy: SCDAA strengthens the sickle cell voice through collective advocacy efforts, including our two-day, in-person Advocacy Days events where members learn key policy issues and meet with federal legislators. Members also stay informed through our quarterly Legislative Update newsletter, which highlights the latest federal developments affecting the community.
  • Peer Networking: Connect and collaborate with over 55 like-minded nonprofit organizations to exchange strategies and insights that strengthen community impact.
  • Timely Updates: Stay informed through exclusive SCDAA newsletters and members-only communications highlighting medical news, research developments and important legislative policy updates.
  • Collective Impact: Membership in a national network of 55-plus SCD community-based organizations spanning thirty states, collectively serving more than 500,000 children and adults living with or impacted by sickle cell disease and their caregivers.
  • Discounts: Save on registration for SCDAA’s Annual National Convention to learn about the latest scientific and clinical information through innovative training seminars, educational workshops, and other special events.

If your organization is interested in being a SCDAA member organization, please contact (410) 528-1555 or email info@sicklecelldisease.org.