Programs & Services
How SFSCD Helps Our Constituents.
Transition Program
Transition is not a single appointment—it’s a developmental journey. Our program provides structured education, coaching, and peer support so young people can learn how to advocate for themselves, manage symptoms (especially pain), navigate healthcare systems, and access wraparound community resources that support long-term well-being.
Emergency Medical & Non-Medical Assistance for Individuals and Families Living with Sickle Cell Disease
The Support Assistance Program is a core service of Supporters of Families with Sickle Cell Disease, designed to provide timely, compassionate assistance to individuals and families impacted by sickle cell disease who are experiencing financial hardship or crisis related to their health condition.
Living with sickle cell disease often places unexpected and ongoing stress on individuals and families, particularly during medical crises, hospitalizations, and periods of reduced income or increased care needs. This program addresses critical daily needs that, if left unmet, can negatively impact health outcomes, treatment adherence, and overall family stability.
Support Assistance Programs
Emergency Medical & Non-Medical Grant Assistance Program
The Emergency Medical & Non-Medical Grant Assistance Program is designed with a two-fold purpose:
- To reduce external stressors experienced by individuals and families living with sickle cell disease that may interfere with health, healing, and stability.
- To provide short-term assistance during times of crisis, helping families remain safe, housed, and supported while navigating medical challenges.
Definition of an Emergency
An emergency is defined as a situation in which an individual or family is at risk of losing or has already lost access to necessities that are essential to health, safety, or the ability to manage sickle cell disease.
Emergency Assistance May Include:
- Utilities assistance (gas, electricity, water, phone, internet for medical access)
- Housing-related assistance (eviction prevention, temporary housing support)
- Food assistance for individuals and families
- Childcare and infant assistance, including baby formula, diapers, and essential supplies.
- Medication and treatment-related assistance, including education and navigation support.
- Short-term food assistance during hospitalization, recognizing the financial strain of families while supporting a loved one in care.
Non-Emergency Stabilization Support
In addition to crisis response, the program offers non-emergency assistance that supports stability, independence, and continuity of care.
Non-Emergency Support May Include:
- Minor car repairs to support transportation to medical appointments, school, and work
- School supplies and uniforms to reduce educational disruption for children and youth.
- Referral and navigation support to community partners and long-term assistance programs
Program Impact
By addressing immediate social and economic barriers, the Support Assistance Program helps:
- Reduce preventable emergency room visits and hospital readmissions
- Support treatment adherence and continuity of care
- Reduce caregiver stress and family instability
- Improve overall health outcomes and quality of life
- Strengthen resilience for individuals and families managing chronic illness
Building Relationships, Education, and Support for Individuals and Families Living with Sickle Cell Disease
The Community Connection & Engagement Program strengthens relationships among individuals living with sickle cell disease, their families, caregivers, and the broader community.
This program is designed to reduce isolation, increase access to education and resources, and create welcoming spaces where families can connect, learn, and feel supported.
Through partnerships with healthcare providers, schools, faith-based organizations, and community agencies, the program delivers responsive activities, workshops, and outreach events that promote education, advocacy, awareness, and peer support across the lifespan.
Program activities are open to individuals living with sickle cell disease, their families, caregivers, and community members.
Program Goals
✔ Foster meaningful connections and peer support among families
✔ Increase sickle cell education, advocacy, and public awareness
✔ Strengthen access to community resources and systems of care
✔ Support emotional wellness, resilience, and family stability
✔ Empower individuals and families through shared learning and engagement
Program Activities Include:
Community & Family Engagement
- Seasonal family-centered educational events (e.g., Thanksgiving and holiday programs)
- Family gatherings in Tulsa and Oklahoma City
- Back-to-School Bashes providing school supplies and family resources
- Community fundraisers and awareness events (educational workshop, sickle cell 101, mental health, youth readiness, therapeutic recreation, and outreach activities)
Education & Life Skills Development
- Life skills classes focused on:
- Disease prevention and self-advocacy
- Empowerment and stress reduction
- Budgeting and financial literacy
- IEPs and Section 504 accommodations
- Coping skills and emotional wellness
- Communication and self-advocacy skills
- Pain management education
Health & Resource Connection
- Hospital visitation and family support
- Community resource education and referrals
- Education on new and emerging sickle cell treatments for families, healthcare providers, educators, and the broader community
Community Connection & Engagement Program
Emergency & Essential Needs Support for Individuals and Families Living with Sickle Cell Disease
The Bridge to Stability Program provides short-term emergencies and essential needs assistance to individuals and families living with sickle cell disease who are experiencing financial hardship or crisis related to their health condition.
Living with sickle cell disease often brings unexpected medical emergencies, hospitalizations, and disruptions to employment, income, and daily routines. The Bridge to Stability Program helps reduce these stressors by addressing urgent social and economic needs that directly impact health, healing, and family stability.
This program serves as a bridge—helping families move from crisis toward stability, continuity of care, and improved well-being.
Program Focus Areas
- Crisis intervention and emergency support
- Essential needs stabilization
- Reduction of health-related stressors
- Support for treatment adherence and continuity of care
- Trauma-informed, family-centered assistance
Emergency Assistance May Include
- Utilities assistance (gas, electricity, water, phone, internet access for care)
- Housing-related support and prevention
- Food assistance for individuals and families
- Infant and child essentials (formula, diapers, critical supplies)
- Medication and treatment-related assistance
- Short-term food support during hospitalizations
Stability & Non-Emergency Support May Include
- Minor car repairs to ensure access to medical care, school, and work
- School supplies and uniforms
- Navigation and referrals to long-term community resources
Program Impact
The Bridge to Stability Program helps families:
- Remain housed, nourished, and connected to care
- Reduce preventable emergency room visits
- Manage sickle cell disease more effectively
Bridge to Stability Program
Wellness, Education & Empowerment for Children and Youth Living with Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle Cell Camp is a supportive, fun, and educational experience designed for children and young people living with sickle cell disease. The camp provides a safe space where participants can connect with peers who share similar experiences, build confidence, and learn skills that support health, self-care, and overall well-being.
The camp blends recreational activities with age-appropriate health education, emotional wellness support, and peer engagement. Participants are encouraged to explore their strengths, express themselves, and develop resilience while learning how to better manage sickle cell disease in everyday life.
Program Goals
- Reduce isolation by connecting youth with peers living with sickle cell disease
- Promote self-care, health literacy, and disease awareness
- Support emotional wellness, confidence, and resilience
- Encourage self-advocacy and positive coping strategies
- Create joyful experiences that center healing, fun, and belonging
Camp Activities May Include
- Creative arts, games, and team-building activities
- Health and wellness education sessions
- Coping skills and emotional wellness activities
- Pain awareness and self-care strategies
- Mentorship and peer support opportunities
- Age-appropriate physical activities with medical oversight
- Family engagement and education components
Safety & Support
Sickle Cell Camp is designed with health and safety as a priority. Activities are planned with medical awareness in mind, including hydration, rest periods, temperature considerations, and access to trained staff and volunteers who understand sickle cell disease. Mental and emotional well-being is also supported through trauma-informed practices and supportive facilitation.
Program Impact
Sickle Cell Camp empowers youth to feel seen, supported, and confident in managing their health while building friendships and positive memories. The camp experience helps participants strengthen coping skills, increase knowledge, and return home feeling encouraged, connected, and inspired.
Sickle Cell Camp
