Local partnership merges to spread sickle cell awareness
Zelena Williams/Contributing Writer
Issue date: 11/9/08 Section: Health
After the walk, which began and ended at the Howard University Hospital grounds, there were free giveaways on behalf of Commerce Bank, according to Harrison, as well as donation requests.
"Everyone gets involved," said Harrison. She said that she regretted that participants were charged to take part this year although it "offsets the cost of the walk. The leftover funds goes towards awareness advocacy [and the programs] … last year was free, but this year was costly. "
Angela Mayson, Community Liaison for the Department of Pediatrics, added that the programs and what they offer are "helpful for those without health insurance. [There was an] emphasis on getting tested," she said in reference to the NIH Blood Bank that was actively testing individuals for the trait.
The Howard University Center for Sickle Cell Disease provides services such as no cost screening for the trait, as well as individuals willing to come into a variety of environments, including schools, to advocate for sickle cell awareness. The center also provides a weekly outpatient clinic, pediatric services, genetic counseling (services that analyze the chances of a couple having a child born with sickle cell anemia), and group support meetings.
Zapata, who has been in the country for nine years, also said that "the money goes towards research paying for the programs that they offer for transportation, medication - they've played a big role since I've been here."
"Everyone gets involved," said Harrison. She said that she regretted that participants were charged to take part this year although it "offsets the cost of the walk. The leftover funds goes towards awareness advocacy [and the programs] … last year was free, but this year was costly. "
Angela Mayson, Community Liaison for the Department of Pediatrics, added that the programs and what they offer are "helpful for those without health insurance. [There was an] emphasis on getting tested," she said in reference to the NIH Blood Bank that was actively testing individuals for the trait.
The Howard University Center for Sickle Cell Disease provides services such as no cost screening for the trait, as well as individuals willing to come into a variety of environments, including schools, to advocate for sickle cell awareness. The center also provides a weekly outpatient clinic, pediatric services, genetic counseling (services that analyze the chances of a couple having a child born with sickle cell anemia), and group support meetings.
Zapata, who has been in the country for nine years, also said that "the money goes towards research paying for the programs that they offer for transportation, medication - they've played a big role since I've been here."
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