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September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month
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Every September, MDH and our partners recognize National Sickle Cell Awareness Month to increase understanding of sickle cell disease.
This month, we’re sharing a story that highlights the strength of a sickle cell warrior, upcoming trainings and events, as well as publications and ongoing work being done to improve care, awareness, and quality of life for individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease.
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This month, we are honored to highlight the story of sickle cell warrior, La'Taijah Powell. La'Taijah is a vibrant 29-year-old mother of three living with sickle cell disease. A little over a year ago, she experienced a life-threatening sickle cell crisis that resulted in a coma, multiple limb amputations, and a recovery journey that she refuses to let define her.
Read La'Taijah’s inspiring story.
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*If you are a sickle cell warrior and would like an opportunity to share your story publicly, please contact admin@sicklecellmn.org
 Minnesota glows red for SCD: (top left to bottom right) The I-35W Bridge, the US Bank Stadium, the France Avenue Median, the City of Rochester Dome, Rochester Mayo Clinic’s Plummer building, and the Lowry Avenue bridge, were all lit red at different times throughout the month of September in honor of sickle cell awareness month.
Sickle Cell Foundation of Minnesota represented Minnesota at the 3rd Global Alliance Sickle Cell Disease Organization (GASCDO) Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, continuing its GASCDO engagement following the 2024 conference in Oman.
Through global panels, presentations and public-health relationships, Sickle Cell Foundation of Minnesota is connecting Minnesota’s experience to a worldwide exchange of knowledge. A win anywhere in the sickle cell community can inform progress everywhere, strengthening how we turn data, lived experience and partnership into better outcomes at home and globally.
Check out new videos on the Sickle Cell Foundation of Minnesota's YouTube page. Topics include RealTalk Podcast episodes and Living Sickle SMART sessions. Check out their recent videos and subscribe to stay informed on new episodes!
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Real Talk Podcast
Real People. Real Issues. Real Talk.
Part 1 - Living Out Loud: Sickle Cell, Identity and Belonging
Host: Rae Blaylark
Guest Co-host: B. Wilson
Guests: Andre Marcel Harris and Tristan Lee
Listen to Part 1!
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Living SickleSMART 2.0
Rare Disease in Minnesota: Who makes the decision and what does it mean for sickle cell families?
Host: Rae Blaylark
Guest: Erica Barnes of the Minnesota Rare Disease Advisory Council
Tune in to this SickleSMART session.
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For students living with chronic health conditions like sickle cell disease, a supportive school and/or college environment can make all the difference in their academic success. Teachers, professors, school nurses, and school staff, let's work together to ensure students have the care they need to thrive this school year!
To learn more about how schools can protect students with SCD, please check out these resources:
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DONATE BLOOD!
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Blood transfusions are one of the most critical treatments for people with SCD, yet fewer than 10% of Americans donate blood. On July 27, the American Red Cross declared its second-ever national blood supply crisis after blood donations fell to a four-year summer low. Make a plan or schedule an appointment to donate today. A single donation can help save multiple lives!
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Upcoming Trainings and Webinars
19th Annual Sickle Cell in Focus Conference
When: Sept. 24-25, 2026
Co-hosted by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and The University of the West Indies (UWI), this year’s SCiF conference will focus on advancing global understanding and management of SCD through sessions on data harmonization and global SCD databases, transfusion complications, genetic therapies, and the role of inflammation and aging in SCD.
Learn more and register for the conference.
Beyond the Diagnosis 2026: Eliminating Health Disparities Summit
When: Friday, Oct. 16, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
This summit is a new, annual gathering focused on eliminating health disparities in Minneapolis African American/Black communities, focusing on Breast Cancer, Heart Disease, Prostate Cancer, and Sickle Cell Disease. This year's summit will be held at Sanctuary Church in Minneapolis.
The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America's (SCDAA) 54th Annual National Convention
When: Oct. 15-17, 2026
This convention fosters the exchange of the latest scientific and clinical information through innovative training seminars and educational workshops, interactive panel discussions, advocacy lectures, and special events. It will be held in Concord, North Carolina at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort and Spa.
Register here to attend in person: SCDAA's 54th Annual National Convention.
2026 Sick Cells Coverage and Therapeutics Summit
When: Nov. 4-5, 2026
"Access Unlocked" is the theme of this year’s 2-day, hybrid, Coverage and Therapeutics Summit. The aim of this event is to influence and unite science, stories, stakeholders, and systems change and is intended to be a collaborative space for patient/caregiver groups, providers, care teams, researchers, payers, investors, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and policymakers. Join the discussion on the changing landscape of treatment and healthcare coverage for sickle cell disease. This event will be held in Bethesda, Maryland at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda.
Register here: 2026 Sick Cells Coverage and Therapeutics Summit
STORM TeleECHO
STORM TeleECHO will empower health care providers to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to manage pediatric and adult patients with sickle cell disease using evidence-based best practices.
Register here for upcoming STORM sessions.
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American Society of Hematology (ASH) Sickle Cell Disease Coalition
- The Sickle Cell Disease Coalition is composed of public health, research, and provider organizations, patient groups, faith-based organizations, federal agencies, industry representatives, and foundations with an interest in sickle cell disease.
The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA)
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SCDAA advocates for people affected by sickle cell conditions and empowers community-based organizations to maximize quality of life and raise public consciousness while advancing the search for a universal cure.
- SCDAA and Forma Therapeutics produced an impactful PSA that shows what SCD crises look like so more people can take action. Watch the Believe It PSA video.
National Alliance of Sickle Cell Centers (NASCC)
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NASCC’s mission is to support sickle cell disease centers in delivering high-quality comprehensive care by setting standards, promoting their adoption, identifying opportunities and resources to strengthen those centers, and advocating for access to comprehensive care to improve health outcomes, quality of life, and survival.
National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) – Sickle Cell Connect
- Created by NMDP, Sickle Cell Connect is here to support sickle cell warriors on their journey by providing resources, support and treatment options including access to world-class cellular therapies.
SCDAA and MedicAlert Program
- During a sickle cell pain crisis, time is of the essence. SCDAA and MedicAlert have launched a pilot program designed to improve the emergency room experience for sickle cell warriors. Learn more about the program and how to get involved.
Social Security Disability
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