We Are a Non Profit Charitable Organization
Founded in 1981, the Sickle Cell Association of Ontario (SCAO) is a volunteer, non-profit, community-based organization based in Toronto, Ontario, that provides support and resources for individuals, families and communities affected by Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) throughout the province.
YYZ Hilightz Special Presentation, Host Jemelle Williams speaks with the Founder of the Sickle Cell Association of Ontario, Lillie Johnson.
Along with providing support to those living with Sickle Cell Disease and their families for over 35 years, we’ve educated the general public about Sickle Disease through our workshops and conferences. We also continue to advocate on behalf of the Sickle Cell community for better services and treatment.
Some of our achievements thus far are:
- Successfully lobbying for the inclusion of Sickle Cell Disease in Newborn Screening in Ontario. In 2005, the decision was made to add screening for Sickle Cell Disease to Newborn Screening in Ontario. The first set of newborns were screened in November 2006.
- Partnering with Humber College School of Health Sciences, the first College of Nursing in Canada to adopt teaching Hemoglobin apthaties to their curriculum in 2013.
- Organizing a yearly Education Conference to educate the general public, health professionals and those living with Sickle Cell Disease of the current treatments and strategies in Sickle Cell care.
We Have A Strong Mission
The Mission of the Sickle Cell Association of Ontario is to serve the community as a recognized voluntary agency that endeavors to optimize the quality of life for individuals and families with Sickle Cell disease.
