Sickle Cell Medical Advocacy Inc. jobs and careers

About Sickle Cell Medical Advocacy Inc.

Sickle Cell disease(SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that is marked by a genetic mutation. The mutation causes hemoglobin to have difficulty with the delivery of oxygen to tissues. Red blood cells with sickle hemoglobin are stiff and sticky. This blocks small blood vessels and the movement of healthy, oxygen-carrying blood. The blockage can cause extreme pain and life threatening complications such as strokes, bone and tissue damage and decreased lifespan for patients with SCD. In the United States about 100,000 people have SCD. 1 in 13 African-American babies are born with the trait and 1 in 365 African American babies have SCD. 1 in 16,300 Latin babies are also born with SCD . African-Americans comprised of 98% of SCD cases in the United States.  Sickle Cell Medical Advocacy Inc.(SCMA) will serve a resilient community that is facing significant barriers to healthcare. A staggering percentage of healthcare providers admit to sub-standard or negligent care of patients with SCD. Patients recall being turned away in a Sickle Cell crisis with uncontrolled pain because providers are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with managing their pain throughout the country. However, currently no main organization in the United States is addressing this challenge with medical advocacy. The programs at SCMA will be a predominantly home-based online operation and will be offered nationally. There are two main programs: 1)Medical Advocacy Training program (MAT)-online via zoom and power-point presentations, and YouTube teaching videos. The MAT program will start by enrolling motivated community volunteers who will take a 9-week interactive course on Sickle Cell Medical advocacy until we produce and graduate competent medical advocates. 2)Medical Advocacy Outreach program(MAO)-virtually by phone conferencing via a virtual platform. We will provide mentoring after their class training so the medical advocates can advocate for patients with SCD.