Advocacy and Empowerment Program

Advocacy is a process.

Self Advocacy is the ability to articulate one's needs & make informed decisions about the support necessary to meet those needs.

Empowerment is preparing people to take control.

Do you know anyone or does someone in your family have Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)?
Are you a caregiver or advocate?

This is the program for you!

Virtual Registration

Upcoming AEP Session: January 17th at 11:00 AM

Featuring: ED Faso

Red Cross- Importance of blood donation & Sickle cell initiative

Ed Faso is the Emerging Markets Account Manager for the Northern California Coastal Region of the American Red Cross, where he leads initiatives focused on Sickle Cell awareness, Latino engagement, and support for the LGBTQ+ community. A passionate advocate for health equity, Ed works to raise awareness about the critical need for diverse blood donors to help ensure all patients—regardless of background—have access to lifesaving blood matches.

For individuals living with sickle cell disease, particularly in the Black community, frequent blood transfusions are essential, and closely matched blood can mean fewer complications.

In Latino communities, O blood types are more common, making Latino donors vital for patients who share similar backgrounds. Ed also works to foster inclusive spaces where LGBTQ+ donors feel welcomed and empowered to give—a step toward greater representation and stronger support networks in blood donation. In all he does, Ed is committed to closing the gap in access to compatible blood, knowing that a single donation can change a life. Outside of work, he enjoys quality time with his wife and son, staying active, and sharing memorable moments with family and friends.

Schedule (Presenter List):

All of the presenters have been confirmed.

* If you register and attend several sessions, you can receive a SCAA Health and Wellness backpack. The items inside the backpack include assorted essentials you can utilize when going to the hospital, during your stay at the hospital and when you are leaving the hospital. *

Items inside the backpack include:

Blanket
Water Bottle
Journals
Pen
Hertz Nazaire Coloring Book
50 Coloring Pencils
Mindfulness links/recording - Jason

Program Details:

Location: Virtual Only on Zoom

Meetings Times: 11am to about 1pm

Description:

The program is created for all stakeholders (clients, caregivers, medical students, medical professionals and advocates). It is designed to explore advocacy and educate to be empowered. There will be a variety of presenters’ clients, nurses, physicians and key professionals sharing and discussing issues to engage attendees.

The Advocacy and Empowerment Program is comprised of two primary segments.

The first portion of the webinar is designed to introduce the audience to core educational content.
The second portion of the webinar is the implementation of the educational content learned, with journaling, along with discussions pertaining to real-world experiences