Sickle Cell Association of South Louisiana

Today is National Letter Writing Day! Did you know you can help Sickle Cell warriors by coordinating writing campaigns? These campaigns encourage elected officials to help fund SCD.

Did you know SCD is diagnosed with a simple blood test? Most Children born in the U.S. are diagnosed at birth during routine newborn screening tests at the hospital. SCD is inherited when a child receive two genes—one from each parent—that code for abnormal hemoglobin.

Did you know most of the time, flu activity peaks between December and February? Getting the flu can cause health implications for Sickle Cell Warriors. Washing one's hands can help prevent infection; remember to wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.

Today is ! Help us rewrite the narrative around life with Sickle Cell Disease. Your donations help us advocate and support Sickle Cell Warriors in south Louisiana. It also allows us to educate the community and healthcare providers about SCD. Donate today at https://scasl.org/donate/

It's cold outside! It's essential that Sickle Cell warriors dress appropriately for the weather. Remember to dress warmly as the temperature starts to drop in long layers.

SCASL wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Did you know sickle cell disease is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders? Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body. Normal red blood cells are disc-shaped and flexible enough to move easily through the blood vessels. In SCD, red blood cells become crescent- or “sickle”-shaped due to a genetic mutation. These sickled red blood cells do not bend or move easily and can block blood flow to the rest of the body.

SCASL has been serving Sickle Cell Warriors for over 47 years. We advocate for equitable health care and treatment, provide support to clients, and educate the community about SCD. Our goal is to rewrite the narrative around life with SCD. Learn more: scasl.org

Today is World Kindness Day! A single act of kindness can make someone's day. Sickle Cell Disease is often an invisible disease. You never know who your act of kindness could impact.

Today is National Louisiana Day! We proudly serve Sickle Cell Warriors in south Louisiana. At SCASL, we advocate for equitable health care and treatment for all people living with SCD in south Louisiana. While providing support to clients and educating the community around sickle cell disease.

Did you know around 100,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with SCD? SCD occurs among about 1 out of every 365 Black births, and about 1 in 13 Black or African-American babies is born with sickle cell trait (SCT).

Are you interested in helping the Sickle Cell Warriors in your community? Consider joining the Sickle Cell Advocates of Greater Baton Rouge! They advocate for policy changes for people living with SCD. If you want to make a difference, visit our website for more information!

Today is ! Sickle Cell Warriors should prioritize their stress stress levels. Stress can trigger a Sickle Cell Crisis. People living with SCD should try to do something that is stress-relieving every day!

Don't forget to watch the FDA's Cellular, Tissue, and Gene Therapies Advisory Committee Meeting tomorrow, Oct. 31st. The Food and Drug Administration will make a landmark decision about gene therapy for SCD. Watch Live: https://youtube.com/live/M90IjjxOdQg

Tune in to the FDA's Cellular, Tissue, and Gene Therapies Advisory Committee Meeting on Oct. 31st. The Food and Drug Administration will make a landmark decision about gene therapy for SCD. Watch Live: https://youtube.com/live/M90IjjxOdQg

Did you know that anemia is a common effect of SCD? Sickle Cell Warriors' red blood cells die early, and there are not enough left to carry oxygen throughout the body, causing anemia. Blood transfusions are used to treat severe anemia.

Did you know nutrition matters for Sickle Cell Warriors? People living with SCD should eat from a rainbow of fruits and vegetables and pair them with whole grains, and protein foods (such as eggs, fish, chicken, meats, beans or tofu, and nuts or seeds). It is also essential for individuals with SCD to eat calcium-rich foods.

Did you know joining a patient support group or a community-based SCD organization is recommended for people with SCD? We offer educational workshops and transitional programs for young Sickle Cell Warriors. For more information visit us at scasl.org

People living with sickle cell disease are more than just their disease. Stories of Sickle Cell aims to highlight the unique stories and diverse identities of Sickle Cell Warriors. Learn about the lives of these individuals through the CDC's Stories of Sickle Cell webpage: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell/stories-of-sickle-cell.html

Did you know creative outlets are beneficial for Sickle Cell Warriors? People living with SCD often use coloring, drawing, and creative writing to help them through pain crises. Today is Black Poetry Day. We hope everyone takes time today to destress and create something meaningful!

Yesterday was Global Wash Your Hands Day. Washing your hands can keep you healthy and prevent the spread of infections. Sickle Cell Warriors and their families and friends should wash their hands often. People with SCD are more prone to infections.

Today is World Thrombosis Day. Thrombosis is a blood clot within blood vessels that limits blood flow. People with SCD are at greater risk of forming blood clots. A blood clot in one of the large veins, usually in a person's leg or arm, is called a deep vein thrombosis.

Did you know each time you donate blood you can save up to 3 lives? Many Sickle Cell Warriors need blood transfusions and rely on people donating blood. It is never too late to start donating blood!

Today is World Mental Health Day! Sickle Cell Warriors need to prioritize their mental health. People with chronic diseases may feel sad, which can lead to anxiety and depression. Remember to take some time for yourself every day!

Sickle Cell Disease is a lifelong illness with health implications, such as pain crises, eye problems, and infections. It is essential for Sickle Cell Warriors to build support networks of friends and family to help them.

People with SCD can live full lives by being proactive in their care. Here are some tips to help you or someone you know with SCD stay as healthy as possible.

Did you know approximately 2,000 babies are born with SCD annually in the U.S?

Sickle Cell Awareness Month is almost over! Here are some ways you can help Sickle Cell Warriors in your community.

Did you know that many newborns receive a heel prick test? Newborn screening, such as the Heel Prick Test, can help identify SCD and expedite early management and treatment. During the Heel Prick Test, blood from a heel prick is collected on a special type of paper. The hemoglobin from this blood is tested for various diseases, including SCD. Normaly, providers from a special follow-up newborn screening team will contact you directly if your child has SCD.

TODAY, Executive Lady is hosting a blood drive to support Sickle Cell Awareness Month and Alexander Weaver Jr., a Sickle Cell Warrior. Join us today at River House Apartments, 3-7 p.m., as we donate blood to help Sickle Cell Warriors. Every time you donate blood, you can save up to 3 lives. Be someone's hero today!

Thank you, Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, for being a sponsor of Ryan's Run/Walk. We could not do it without you!

Thank you, Clerk of Court Doug Welborn, for being a sponsor of Ryan's Run/Walk. We could not do it without you!

Thank you, Emmaus Life Sciences, Inc., for being a sponsor of Ryan's Run/Walk. We could not do it without you!

Thank you, Children's Hospital New Orleans LCMC Health, for being a sponsor of Ryan's Run/Walk. We could not do it without you!

Thank you, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, for being a sponsor of Ryan's Run/Walk. We could not do it without you!

Thank you, ENDARI, for being a sponsor of Ryan's Run/Walk. We could not do it without you!

Thank you, AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana, for being a sponsor of Ryan's Run/Walk. Wow couldn't do it without you!

Thank you, Vertex, for being a sponsor of Ryan's Run/Walk. We could not do it without you!

Thank you so much, Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, for being a sponsor of Ryan's Run/Walk! We couldn't do it without you!

Thank you so much, Q106.5. Baton Rouge's Classic Soul & Smooth R&B, for being a sponsor of Ryan's Run/Walk! We could not do it without you!