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About us
A community-rooted organization dedicated to walking with warriors, caregivers, and families through every step of the sickle cell journey.
Who We Are
The Sickle Cell Association is a Missouri-based nonprofit organization that exists because we know one critical truth: living with sickle cell disease affects the entire family. Warriors need direct support to thrive. Caregivers: mothers, fathers, grandparents, siblings, all carry emotional and practical weight.
Everyone deserves comprehensive care.
Founded and led by community members who understand this journey intimately, we provide wraparound support that addresses medical, emotional, financial, and social challenges. Whether you're a warrior managing your health, a caregiver supporting a loved one, or a family member navigating this together, we're here for you.
Our Founding Story
In November 2011, Rosemary Britts founded the Sickle Cell Association after recognizing a critical gap in Missouri's healthcare landscape. As a mother whose oldest daughter was born with sickle cell disease, Rosemary witnessed firsthand the challenges families face when navigating a complex medical system without community-based support.
Missouri lacked a dedicated organization that truly understood what it meant to walk alongside families dealing with sickle cell disease. There was no place where caregivers could find wraparound support that addressed not just medical needs, but emotional, financial, and social challenges too.
From that personal journey came an organization built on lived experience, deep community roots, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring no family walks this path alone.
Our Mission
To support the sickle cell community while working to eliminate the disease through collaborations on research, education and resources.
Our Vision
A world free from the pain of sickle cell.
Our Core Values
We exist to provide comprehensive support, education, and advocacy for families and caregivers affected by sickle cell disease across Missouri.
Caregiver-First Approach
We recognize that caregivers are the foundation of sickle cell care and deserve comprehensive support.
Community-Rooted
Led by and serving the communities most affected by sickle cell disease across Missouri.
Wraparound Support
We address medical, emotional, financial, and social needs because health is about more than medicine.
Culturally Competent Care
Understanding the unique cultural context and barriers faced by Black families navigating healthcare.
What Makes Us Different
We're not just another healthcare organization. Here's what sets us apart.
We Walk Beside Families
Our support doesn't end when the appointment is over. We provide ongoing case management, crisis support, and connection to resources.
Plain-Language Education
Complex medical information translated into accessible resources that empower families to make informed decisions.
Advocacy Without Stigma
We fight for responsible pain care, equitable access to gene therapy, and dignity in every healthcare interaction.
Healing the Healers
Caregiver burnout is real. Our retreats, counseling connections, and peer support groups provide essential care for those who care.
Exceeding Our Growth Goals
We've already surpassed our 2025 target, demonstrating the growing need and trust in our services
137
Enrolled Clients 2023-24
157
Enrolled Clients 2024-25
57%
Growth Achieved
1,400+
Individuals Reached
96%
With Medical Home
700+
services provided
Medical Home Access: 92% (2023) → 96% (2025)
Our Leadership Team
Behind SCA is a team of advocates, caregivers, educators, and community leaders committed to walking this journey with families.
Rosemary Britts
Founder and Director
Jane Doe
Director of Caregiver Services
Anna Doe
Director of Programs
Anna Doe
Director of Programs
Our Partners
