• Find out how the Sickle Cell Foundation of the River Region can help with screening and maintaining a healthy lifestyle while managing sickle cell disease.

  • Treatment and medical support is available to help you live a long life.

  • Your donations are helping find a cure for Sickle Cell.

The Sickle Cell Foundation of the River Region has a deep-rooted commitment and strides in providing monitoring tools and resources for individuals suffering from sickle cell disease.

It is our mission to improve the lives of those suffering with the disease, while working closely with individuals and agencies conducting research. We provide testing with test results available within 3-5 business days. Walk in and visit our location to learn more about the resources and educational programs we offer.

The Foundation serves Autauga, Butler. Chambers, Chilton, Coffee, Coosa, Crenshaw, Dallas, Elmore, Lowndes, Montgomery, Tallapoosa, and Wilcox counties of Alabama. Contact us to arrange for a free sickle cell disease screening at (334) 286-9122 or 1 (888) 727-4255.

 

Sickle Cell Awareness Month 2022 Governor Kay Ivey Signs Proclamation

To start off National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, on September 1, 2022, Governor Kay Ivey signed a Sickle Cell Proclamation to raise awareness of Sickle Cell Trait and Sickle Cell Disease in the State of Alabama while surrounded by Directors and other officials from across the State. It reads as follows:

Proclamation
By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, sickle cell anemia and sickle cell disease, used interchangeably, refer to a group of inherited disorders that affect red blood cells; and

WHEREAS, sickle cell disease in which a person's body produces abnormally shaped blood cells that resemble a crescent or sickle and that do not last as long as normal, round red blood cells, which leads to anemia; and

WHEREAS, the sickle cells also get stuck in blood vessels and block blood flow, resulting in vaso-occlusive crises, which can cause pain and organ damage; and

WHEREAS, sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder where individuals with the disease are born with two sickle genes, each inherited from one parent; and

WHEREAS, an individual with only one sickle gene has a "sickle cell trait," which occurs in 1 out of every 13 African Americans and in 1 out of every 100 Latinos in the United States; and

WHEREAS, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that sickle cell disease affects approximately 100,000 Americans, and occurs among about one in every 365 Black or African-American births and one out of every 16,300 Hispanic-American births, and it is estimated that 2,500 African-Americans in Alabama have sickle cell disease; and

WHEREAS, while there is no widely available cure for sickle cell disease, one-time gene therapies, including gene editing therapeutic approaches, are being developed and may offer potential cures for some patients;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim September 2022, as

Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month

in the State of Alabama.

Thank you, Governor Ivey, for giving recognition to Sickle Cell Trait and Sickle Cell Disease; the individuals with these disorders; and those that work alongside them.

 

Hopping Our Way Through Easter

Date: Saturday, March 23, 2024

Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

The Sickle Cell Foundation of the River Region will be hosting an Easter event on Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM at their office located at 3180 U.S. Highway 80 West, Montgomery, AL 36108. This event is for children affected by Sickle Cell Disease and will include an Easter egg hunt, food, and educational activities.

For more information, please call Ms. Beverly Freeman, Activity Support Coordinator/Counselor, at (334) 286-9122 or 1 (888) 767-4255.

 

A Tour of Wellness, Autaugaville

Date: April 6, 2024

Time: 9:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Greater Montgomery, Inc. will participate in the Wellness Coalition's "A Tour of Wellness" health fair on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Autaugaville Town Park located at Dutch Bend Street in Autaugaville, AL. There will be health and wellness resources, music, and fun for the whole family. Ms. Monique Hopkins from the Sickle Cell Foundation will be present to provide Sickle Cell Education and Screenings. 

For more information, please contact The Wellness Coalition at (334) 293-6502 or visit https://www.thewellnesscoalition.org/contact/ to send a message.

 

A Tour of Wellness, Millbrook

Date: April 20, 2024

Time: 9:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Greater Montgomery, Inc. will participate in the Wellness Coalition's "A Tour of Wellness" health fair on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Village Green Park, located at 3113 Park Court, Millbrook, AL 36054. There will be health and wellness resources, music, and fun for the whole family. Ms. Beverly Freeman from the Sickle Cell Foundation will be present to provide Sickle Cell Education and Screenings. 

For more information, please contact The Wellness Coalition at (334) 293-6502 or visit https://www.thewellnesscoalition.org/contact/ to send a message.

 

A Tour of Wellness, Montgomery

Date: May 18, 2024

Time: 9:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Greater Montgomery, Inc. will participate in the Wellness Coalition's "A Tour of Wellness" health fair on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Oak Park, located at 1010 Forest Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36106. There will be health and wellness resources, music, and fun for the whole family. Ms. Beverly Freeman from the Sickle Cell Foundation will be present to provide Sickle Cell Education and Screenings. 

For more information, please contact The Wellness Coalition at (334) 293-6502 or visit https://www.thewellnesscoalition.org/contact/ to send a message.

 

A Tour of Wellness, Hayneville

Date: June 29, 2024

Time: 9:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Greater Montgomery, Inc. will participate in the Wellness Coalition's "A Tour of Wellness" health fair on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the Hayneville Town Square, located at 241 West Tuskeena Street, Hayneville, AL 36040. There will be health and wellness resources, music, and fun for the whole family. Ms. Monique Hopkins from the Sickle Cell Foundation will be present to provide Sickle Cell Education and Screenings. 

For more information, please contact The Wellness Coalition at (334) 293-6502 or visit https://www.thewellnesscoalition.org/contact/ to send a message.

 

How Much Do You Know About Sickle Cell Disease and Black History?

Date: February 17, 2024

Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

The Sickle Cell Foundation of the River Region is hosting a trivia event about Sickle Cell Disease and Black History on Saturday, February 17, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The event will be taking place at Mount Zion AME Zion Church located at 455 West Fred Gray Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104. The purpose for this event is to educate Sickle Cell Disease patients, their families, and the local community about Sickle Cell Disease and Trait as well as Black History.

For more information, call Ms. Beverly Freeman, Activity Support Coordinator/Counselor, at (334) 286-9122 or 1 (888) 767-4255.

 

 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Bash and Family and Fun Day

Date: January 15, 2024

Time: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

The Montgomery MLK Committee and the Montgomery Music and Arts Foundation are partnering to host the second annual MLK Birthday Bash and Family Fun Day on Monday, January 15, 2024 at the 300 block of Jackson Street in downtown Montgomery, AL. This event will feature education for community enrichment as well as activities for children, live music, and free food and drinks. Ms. Beverly Freeman will be present to provide Sickle Cell education.

For more information, please contact MLK Family Fun Day Committee Chair Mrs. Alicia Elmore at aliciatelmore@gmail.com.

 

 

 

 

Day of Action, Selma

Date: February 2, 2024

Time: 9:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Greater Montgomery, Inc. will participate in the Day of Wellness on Friday, February 2, 2024, at Selma High School's competition gymnasium located at 2120 Broad Street, Selma, AL 36701. This event is a partnership between River Region United Way and WSFA with the goal of helping people in poverty as well as their families gain access to community resources and address the issues facing their communities. Ms. Monique Hopkins and a volunteer from the Sickle Cell Foundation will be providing Sickle Cell Education and Screenings. 

For more information, please contact Lydia M. Chatmon, Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Selma Director, at (334) 874-1126.

 

 

 

 

Sickle Cell Foundation of Greater Montgomery, Inc. Partners with Omega Psi Phi, Iota Iota Chapter

On behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Greater Montgomery, Inc., we would like to thank William Perkins, Darryl Sinkfield, and the distinguished gentlemen of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Iota Iota Chapter, for their generous donation received on December 18, 2023. Your support is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to a rewarding partnership!

 

Sickle Cell Foundation of Greater Montgomery, Inc. Visits WSFA Studio

Thank you to the anchors from WSFA for allowing Executive Director Monica R. VanDiver to become WSFA's honorary anchor for the day!

Also thank you to Hunter Beck for taking the photos and giving Ms. VanDiver a tour of the studio.

(Pictured Left to Right: Amanda Curran, Jasmine Williams, Monica R. VanDiver, Rosanna Smith, and Sally Pitts.)

 

Understanding Sickle Cell Disease Community Advocacy Event

Date: September 19, 2023

Time: 5:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Greater Montgomery, Inc. will participate in NewSouth Bookstore's "Understanding Sickle Cell Disease Community Advocacy Event" on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 located at 105 South Court Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 from 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM. 

The purpose for this event is to allow patients with Sickle Cell Disease and their families to share their experiences with this disease, as well as empower and equip them to navigate the healthcare system and make informed decisions about the care they receive.

For more information, please contact Ms. Monica R. VanDiver, Executive Director of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Greater Montgomery, Inc., at 1 (888) 767-4255.

 

 

Day of Action, Montgomery

Date: September 21, 2023

Time: 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Greater Montgomery, Inc. will participate in the Day of Wellness on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at the Montgomery Cramton Bowl Multiplex located at 1037 Pelham St, Montgomery, AL 36104. This event is a partnership between River Region United Way and WSFA with the goal of helping people in poverty as well as their families gain access to community resources and address the issues facing their communities. Ms. Monique Hopkins and a volunteer from the Sickle Cell Foundation will be providing Sickle Cell Education and Screenings. 

For more information, please contact Ms. Monica R. VanDiver, Executive Director of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Greater Montgomery, Inc., at 1 (888) 767-4255.

 

CentrAL Inc. September/October 2023

Highlighting & Featuring Key Non-Profit Organizations

Read the magazine here.

 

Cancer Awareness Fundraising Event

Date: October 21, 2023

Time: 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Greater Montgomery, Inc. will participate in Mt. Moab Missionary Baptist Church's Cancer Awareness Fundraising Event on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Snowdoun Park located at U.S. Highway 331, Montgomery, AL 36105. Ms. Beverly Savage, Activity Support Coordinator, will be in attendance to provide Sickle Cell information and participation.

For more information, please contact Asiah Smith, Women on the Move Women's Ministry President, at (334) 399-8939.

 

Montgomery Coca-Cola United Annual Health Fair

Date: October 26, 2023

Time: 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Greater Montgomery, Inc. will participate in Montgomery Coca-Cola United's Annual Health Fair on Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Ms. Monique Hopkins, Office Administrator/Counselor, and a volunteer from the Sickle Cell Foundation will be present to provide Sickle Cell Education and Screenings. 

For more information, please contact Ms. Kimberly Gilbert, Office Manager of Montgomery Coca-Cola United, at (334) 613-8811; or Ms. Monica R. VanDiver, Executive Director of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Greater Montgomery, Inc., at 1 (888) 767-4255.

 

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Greater Montgomery, Inc. would like to thank Coca Cola United for the invitation to their annual health fair. Ms. Monique Hopkins and Mrs. Pamela Hopkins enjoyed interacting with the employees and educating them about Sickle Cell.

We were also surprised to see our Board Vice-Chairperson Ms. Evelyn Lawson in attendance!

 

Halloween Trunk-Or-Treat

Date: October 26, 2023

Time: 4:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Greater Montgomery, Inc. will attend Child Protect's Trunk-Or-Treat event on Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 4:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. at their office located at 935 South Perry Street, ​Montgomery, AL 36104. Ms. Beverly Savage, Activity Support Coordinator, will be in attendance to provide Sickle Cell information and participation.

For more information, please contact Jordan Brooks, Family Advocate and Office Manager, at (334) 262-1220 or email at jbrooks@childprotect.org.

 

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Greater Montgomery, Inc. would like to thank Executive Director Kristin Byrd-Roy for the invitation to Child Protect's Trunk-Or-Treat celebration. Ms. Beverly Freeman and our Sickle Cell children enjoyed the festival and had a great time!

   

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

UAB Eye Exams

UAB Community Eye Care are providing eye exams and glasses to qualified individuals in Autauga County on Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the Autauga County Extension Office, located at 2226 Highway 14 West, Autaugaville, AL  36003.

To see if you qualify, call 334-361-7273 to make an appointment.

 

Get Fit Selma! 2023

Date: October 7, 2023

Time: 8:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Greater Montgomery, Inc. will provide information for Get Fit Selma! which will be on October 7, 2023 from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM at the McRae-Gaines Learning Center located at 1101 Woodrow Avenue, Selma AL 36701. This event will provide information and resources to empower the citizens of Dallas County and surrounding areas to live healthier, better-informed, and safer lives. The goal of this event is to foster greater education in health and disease prevention by providing health screenings, educational information, and related activities.

For more information, please call Ms. Sandra Wright-Bonner or Ms. Stephanie Dillon-Hamm at (334)
327-8184 or (512) 301-5029 respectively, or email getfitselma@gmail.com.

 

 

Sickle Cell Support Group Meeting

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Greater Montgomery, Inc. is hosting a Sickle Cell Group Support meeting on Monday, March 6, 2023, starting at 5:00 P.M. Ms. Nancy Anderson, Associate Director of the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program, will be delivering information pertaining to 504 Plans and Individualized Education Plans (IEP).

The meeting will be conducted via Zoom. To join the meeting, visit https://bit.ly/sicklecellsupportgroup. The meeting ID is 862 3731 1963 and the passcode is 849489.

For more information, please call Ms. Monique Hopkins, Office Administrator, or Ms. Beverly Savage, Activities Support Coordinator, at (334) 286-9122 or 1 (888) 767-4255.

 

Thank You to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Iota Iota Chapter

On behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Greater Montgomery, Inc., we would like to thank the distinguished gentlemen of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Iota Iota Chapter, for their generous donation received on November 2, 2022. (Pictured (left to right): William Perkins, Monica R. VanDiver, Delvylon Williams, and Abdullah Salaam.)

 

 

Sickle Cell Clinic Restarted

The Sickle Cell Clinic of the University of Alabama in Birmingham’s Pediatric Comprehensive Center Specialty Clinic, has resumed seeing patients in Montgomery and other surrounding counties. The clinic, headed by Dr. Thomas Howard, restarted Friday, August 26, 2022 at 9:00 A.M. after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, and will continue seeing patients every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month in Baptist South’s Morrow Tower, Room 706, located at 2055 East South Boulevard, Montgomery, AL 36116.

To schedule an appointment, call the UAB appointment line at (205) 638-9285.

We would like to especially thank the nurse practitioners Lindsey E., Kristen O., Heather C., Kaitlin K., and Britney S. for their outstanding service at Friday’s initial clinic!

 

 

Sickle Cell Blood Drive

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Greater Montgomery, Inc. is partnering with LifeSouth Community Blood Center to host a Sickle Cell blood drive on Thursday, September 15, 2022, from 9:00 A.M.- 5:00 P.M., at LifeSouth Donor Center located at 4139 Carmichael Road, Montgomery, AL 36106.

For those looking to donate blood at this event or for more information, please call the Sickle Cell Foundation of Greater Montgomery, Inc. at (334) 286-9122 or 1 (888) 767-4255, or call Stephanie Tyus-Shorter, Sickle Cell Outreach Coordinator, at (334) 260-0803. To sign up to be a donor, please visit https://donors.lifesouth.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/770606.

 

Sickle Cell Awareness Walk

Divas 4 Divas and All Hands Together will sponsor a Sickle Cell Awareness Walk for the Sickle Cell Foundation of Greater Montgomery, Inc. River Region, on September 17, 2022 from 8:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Gateway Park located at 3800 Davenport Drive, Montgomery, AL 36105. The purpose of this event is to raise awareness about Sickle Cell Disease. This event is free to the public, and there will be live music, games, and a door prize. Ms. Monica R. VanDiver will be present, and would like to extend an invitation to our Sickle Cell clients, their families, and the community.

For more information, please contact Mrs. Aretha Bettis, Founder of Divas 4 Divas, at (334) 430-9753.

 

Sickle Cell Radio-Thon-2022

Tune into 94.1 "The Big KD" and help us raise funds for our Sickle Cell clients.

 

A Day of Women's Wellness

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Greater Montgomery, Inc. will be participating in Selma AIR's Day of Women's Wellness on Saturday, October 15, 2022 from 10:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. at Bullock Community and Recreation Center, located at 1428 Broad Street, Selma, AL 36701. The goal of this event is to offer event participants the opportunity to learn about and receive resources related to physical and mental health as well as personal financial management. Ms. Monique Hopkins from the Sickle Cell Foundation will be present to provide Sickle Cell Education and Screenings.

For more information, please contact Ms. Lydia M. Chatmon, Prevention and Public Relations Director, at (334) 418-5055.

 

 

Free COVID-19 Test Kits

The United States Postal Service is now taking orders for free COVID-19 test kits. The kits will include 4  ndividual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests that will ship for free starting in late January 2022. The limit is 1 kit per household.

To sign up, visit https://special.usps.com/testkits.

 

 

National Sickle Cell Awareness Month

Sickle Cell Matters 2021 - Educational Highlights

A Proclamation on National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, 2021

 

 

National Sickle Cell Awareness Month is held every September to raise awareness and attention for sickle cell disease. The ultimate aim is to drive research and treatment options to give those affected by this illness a better quality of life.

Read the history here: History of National Sickle Cell Awareness Month

 

Medical and Research Advisory Committee Statement

The Medical and Research Advisory Committee (MARAC) reminds the sickle cell community that the COVID-19 pandemic is not over and that news is moving quickly in many areas.

Read more here: MARAC Advisory Statement: COVID-19 Update

 

I Am One Blood

African-American blood donors hold the power to save other African-American’s in need of a blood transfusion.

African-American blood donors hold the power to save other African-Americans in need of a blood transfusion.

Increasing African-American donations is vital because blood types O and B, the blood types of about 70 percent of African-Americans, are also the blood types most in demand.

Genetically-similar blood is preferred for those who need repeated blood transfusions, and for conditions like sickle cell disease (SCD), which primarily affects African-Americans. Blood that closely matches that of a patient is less likely to be rejected by the patient and can mean fewer complications after a transfusion.

African-American blood donors are more likely to be a match for the majority of individuals with SCD in the United States, making them ideal donors to help SCD patients receiving regular blood transfusions.

 

Gene Therapy Webinar

The Sickle Cell DIsease Association of America (SCDAA) is hosting a Gene Therapy and Clinical Trials Webinar on September 27, 2021 from 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM EST.

Join here: Gene Therapy & Clinical Trials Webinar

 

Sickle Cell Anemia and COVID-19

Sickle Cell patients are at higher risk for contracting COVID-19 due to a compromised immune system. Please continue to take the recommended precautions of regular handwashing and wearing masks. If you notice any symptoms of fever, cough, or shortness of breath, contact your physician right away.

Read more here: Sickle Cell Anemia and COVID-19: All You Need to Know

 

Get Fit Selma! 2021

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Greater Montgomery, Inc. will be participating in Get Fit Selma! on October 16, 2021. This event will provide information and resources to empower the citizens of Dallas County and surrounding areas to live healthier, better-informed, and safer lives. The goal of this event is to foster greater education in health and disease prevention by providing health screenings, educational information, and related activities.
For more information, please call Ms. Sarah Nixon at (334) 872-8078 or Ms. Stephanie Hamm at (512) 301-5029, or email getfitselma@gmail.com

 

World Sickle Cell Day 2021

The Sickle Cell Community Consortium and Cayenne Wellness Center & Children's Foundation is hosting their 2nd Annual 24 Hour World Sickle Cell Day Zoom-A-Thon on June 19, 2021 starting at 12:00 AM EST. The event will consist of education, entertainment, and engagement with Sickle Cell communities from all over the world.

To participate in this event, register at https://www.runtheworld.today/app/invitation/29465. For more information, please contact Cayenne Wellness Center at (818) 940-0079 or email at info@cayennewellness.org.

 

Important Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

The health and safety of our communities is our priority.

With the recent announcement that the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has confirmed a coronavirus case in Montgomery County, I wanted to remind each of you to be aware:

1. There is no need to panic or be fearful.

2. One main concern about this virus is its incubation period being much longer than the flu - Up to 14 days as compared to 2-3 with the flu. You could be a carrier but be asymptomatic.

3. It is most commonly spread through airborne droplets from coughing and sneezing. Symptoms typically last 5-6 days and unless there are other health concerns like respiratory issues, age, etc. recovery is expected. (Fever, cough, upset stomach, fatigue, shortness of breath)

4. Because it is an encapsulated virus, it can live much longer on an inorganic surface like a handrail or doorknob.

5. Therefore, the most important thing to remember is to wash your hands with friction and duration. Many authorities have recommended using the following video produced by the World Health Organization as a standard for handwashing. Please take one minute and watch it - it is very detailed: https://youtu.be/3PmVJQUCm4E

6. Any over the counter masks or masks purchased through an online retailer most likely, will not help at all. They must be made to specially made to fit your face.

7. The test to determine exposure to the Coronavirus can take 1-5 days turnaround time.

8. Please call your doctor if you have concerns or experience symptoms. To lessen the risk of exposing others, do not physically go to the doctor’s office before calling.

We urge each of you to utilize precautions, be smart, stay informed from credible sources and seek information.

Let’s look out for one another, be careful out there and please…….wash your hands!!

We suggest you take precautions as well as inform yourself at www.211.org/services/covid19

 


It's time to end the silence surrounding sickle cell disease. Explore the Generation S Mosaic to see hundreds of stories of challenge, hope, and inspiration. To see a story, click here and then click on any title.

Do you know sickle cell?

Those with the Sickle Cell trait are usually not sick and can live a healthy normal life.

The first step is to understand. Learn more.

Help when you need it

I didn’t know what Sickle Cell Disease was until I was at a health fair in my neighborhood and I didn’t know how much it could affect my health or my children if I was a carrier of the trait.