Programs

The Sickle Cell Trait Prevention Network (SCTPN). The SCTPN aims to raise awareness, educate, and provide resources about sickle cell trait (SCT), sickle cell disease (SCD), thalassemia, and their potential health implications. The focus is on establishing health equity and increasing access to new disease modifying and curative therapies to ensure better health outcomes.

SCTPN has become a Project ECHO organization to share in the democratization of health education and quality service delivery. SCTPN has structured all of its programs and services as Quality Improvement (QI) offerings.

Public Outreach & Education Services (POES)

Sickle cell disease has become invisible as a serious public health issue after the 1970s.
Through POES, SCTPN works towards its objective to increase public awareness of sickle cell disease and other inherited blood disorders by hosting free educational forums at elementary schools, colleges, places of worship, employment, other public venues, and online.

The SCTPN engages in community outreach and education initiatives to increase awareness and understanding of sickle cell trait (SCT) and disease (SCD). The organization provides educational materials, resources, and presentations to various audiences, including schools, colleges, healthcare professionals, and community organizations. In addition, SCTPN is a culturally diverse and competent organization. Educational resources are available in Arabic, French, and Spanish. Other languages are under development.

POES also offers training programs and professional development opportunities for healthcare providers, educators, and other professionals involved in caring for individuals with SCT/SCD. These programs aim to enhance their knowledge and skills in managing sickle cell-related concerns.

To learn how you can schedule a speaker or a CHW for your upcoming event, contact our Regional Operations Coordinator Tray Thom at tthom@sctpn.net.

Other POES Activities:

  • Education and advocacy outreach to medical institutions and universities teaching medical sciences to bring awareness and a better understanding of hemoglobinopathies from the consumer’s perspective.
  • Offers education and training in Spanish and English.
  • Provide advocacy and interventions for individuals and families within the home, and in the community, at school, work, and in the hospital.
  • Provides referrals to qualified physicians, health care facilities, and other resources.
  • Focused outreach to the growing immigrant population in NYS.
Since the summer of 2019, SCTPN has offered a variety of training opportunities to members and volunteers interested in supporting the Network’s mission to improve the quality of life for children and adults living with sickle cell disease and other inherited disorders.

If you are interested in becoming an advocate click this link to complete the volunteer application.

Adolescent Transition Program

SCTPN is partnering with Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, to develop and improve the Transition process from pediatric to adult sickle cell care. With support from PCORI, we are utilizing the curriculum from www.gottransition.org

We are developing a Community Advisory Board (CAB) to include consumers in pediatric (under 20) and young adults and parents/caregivers to review the Transition policy and process. We hope to develop educational materials appropriate for age and health literacy level. We will continue to offer support to young adults for three years after transfer of care.

Based on this project, SCTPN is building the capacity to offer technical expertise to other hospital partners in the future.

For more information contact Fatima Perry, MSW, Assistant Program Director fperry@sctpn.net

Adult Care Coordination

The Care Coordination Program is a national model funded by a Human Resource Services Administration (HRSA) to assist Community-Based Organizations (CBO) across the country with providing outreach services to adults living with SCD. Particularly adults lost to care after transitioning out of pediatrics into adult medical care. SCTPN assists people with finding a qualified physician, a medical home, specialists, and other needed resources.

Community Health Workers drive outreach, education, and social support interactions for adult clients.

For assistance contact chwdevelopment@sctpn.net
or call (347) 533-8485

College & Vocational Scholarship Programs

The undergraduate scholarship provides a monetary award for students entering an accredited college or vocational training institution. Link to scholarship application

Lori Fleming Belenger Graduate Scholarship

Lori Fleming Belenger as a dynamic woman. She held an MBA and Juris Doctorate. She served on SCTPN’s advisory board and was an example of what a person living with sickle cell disease could accomplish. In honor of Lori’s memory, the organization is working to establish this memorial graduate scholarship.

Community Health Worker Training and Professional Development

Community Health Workers (CHW) are a vital part of SCTPN’s mission. The organization is able to deliver programs, services, and extend its reach throughout New York State and internationally through the dedicated work of CHWs. CHWs provided direct client and family services on-location in SCTPN’s office, at hospitals, clinics, and remotely.

SCTPN offers an 8 week Certificate of Completion Course and continuous up-skills training.

To learn more about SCTPN’s community health worker training program, contact Tray Thom, NYS CHW Coordinator at chwdevelopment@sctpn.net
or call (347) 533-8485.

Resource Development: The SCTPN develops and disseminates resources such as brochures, fact sheets, and guidelines to support individuals, families, and healthcare providers in managing SCT effectively. These resources are designed to provide accurate and up-to-date information about SCT and its associated health considerations.

Overall, the SCTPN’s program activities focus on raising awareness, providing education, advocating for policies, conducting research, offering training, and developing resources to promote the well-being of individuals with sickle cell trait.

Political Advocacy and Education

The SCTPN works to advocate for policies and guidelines that promote the well-being of individuals with sickle cell trait and disease. The organization collaborates with stakeholders, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to address the needs of individuals with SCT.

Research and Data Collection: The SCTPN conducts research and collects data to further understand the implications of SCT and its impact on individuals’ health. This information helps inform their education and advocacy efforts and contributes to the broader understanding of SCT.