Updated Pandemic Response: March 21, 2020
This is our official updated pandemic response. Sickle Cell Warriors’ patient, families, and caregivers; please take every precaution.
This disease is known to affect predominantly those of minority, BIPOC population. Please stay home. Maintain distance. Make hygiene paramount and keep your in-person social interaction only to those of the same household and geographical area. Remind your friends and family that you are an At-Risk population and that due to your sickle cell disease, you may be at greater risk of severe complications like death if you catch COVID.
Many people who are healthy often do not realize the challenges we face, and now is a good time to enlist their aid in keeping you safe. C with chronic rare diseases are a vulnerable high-risk population. Catching COVID-19 “may prove fatal in sickle cell disease”, research from the American Society of Hematology says.
Follow the guidance from your local health department, the Centers for Disease Control, and your medical doctor. Please wear a mask, and take this seriously. Your life is literally in the hands of every one you are in contact with.
May 5, 2020
Due to the restrictions of the COVID19 pandemic, the staff, educators, and organizers of Sickle Cell Warriors, Inc. will no longer be traveling to out-of-town events, or events greater than 10 people.
Black Health Matters Initiative to Help our Patient-Family Base
We launched our Black Health Matters Initiative to further elevate the conversations happening about race in America. Of particular concern is the experience that Black, Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC), experience in the medical setting. When a sickle cell warrior goes to the hospital or emergency room, there are levels of racial bias, discrimination, and stereotyping which does inhibit effective and compassionate care. This has been shown to lead to poorer outcomes, increased mortality and elevated health risks.
During the COVID19 shutdown from March 7, 2020 to August 31, 2020 many states across the country are in pandemic lock-down and social isolation shutdown. The challenges of the racial unrest, pandemic fallback and other stressors further disproportionately affect minority-BIPOC.
SCW Patient Support Fundraiser
In June, 2020, Sickle Cell Warriors©, Inc. held a fundraiser, when it became apparent that the circumstances of living in a post-COVID world had begun to impact our patient and family communities of over 25,000, from all over the world, BIPOC, and minorities. Through the generosity from all the donors of the World Sickle Cell Juneteeth Fundraiser we were able to help over 100 families, and also launch a new initiative.
COVID Patient & Family Impact Study
. SCW developed and are conducting Part 1 of the the Sickle Cell Warriors- Covid Patient & Family Impact Study. More Information HERE.
Please continue to follow the guidelines of your doctor. COVID is real, and we are a High-Risk. So please guard the avenues of your home and stay safe. Stay home, wash your hands, and wear a mask. Let those in your family who go in and out know you are a high-risk group. Charge them to protect themselves so they can protect you.
September 2020
As more and more states are opening up restrictions, please continue to follow the guidelines of the CDC and your local health department. Anyone with a pre-existing disease is in the High Risk category. Also, those of African descent have the ACE2 gene, which is a further concern. Please continue to maintain social isolation precautions. Maintain hygiene for safety. Please wear a mask. Wash your hands. Stay away from anyone with symptoms. Stay safe, stay healthy, stay well.
Fall 2020
Who knew it would last this long? We are encouraged to stay nome by CDC and not travel for the holidays. Meanwhile, all the deniers are getting sick. So sad. Stay safe Warriors.
January 2021
Happy New Year! 2021 has already brought to much change. The vaccine is here y’all. They must believe it if they gave health care workers first. Follow your states guidelines and wait for your turn. Plan for every eventuality, you never know how your body will react to it.
March 2021
It’s been over a year keeping this feed, and COVID is still a thing. Focus on prioritizing good self-care this month.
States are going against CDC and doing their own thing. The pandemic is not over guys…please still protect yourself and your families. Remember, even if you got the vaccine, you should still be patient and wear a mask. That’s my plan. This is my one and only life, I won’t lose it for something which could have prevented.