Sickle Cell disease, also known as Sickle Cell Anemia, is an inherited blood disease that affects hemoglobin, the protein in our blood that carries oxygen to the blood. When Sickle Cell is present in a person, it can cause intense pain, anemia, blockages, and more. Sickle Cell is especially common in African Americans, with 9 out of 10 people diagnosed with Sickle Cell identifying as African American or Black. Here in Okaloosa County, Florida, one organization is raising awareness and connecting those with this illness to support and resources they need. Since 2023 We Reign Sickle Cell Corporation has been providing programs and services to the Crestview community, like Quarterly Neighborhood Awareness Sessions and Screenings.
Quarterly Neighborhood Awareness Sessions are held at varying neighborhood associations and local churches to provide a broader awareness of sickle cell disease to the public at large. Programs include advocacy support groups for sickle cell clients through partners like Sickle Cell Medical Advocacy Inc, Sickle Cell Consortium, Pfizer, and American Red Cross of North Florida. Screenings are hosted to provide annual sickle cell testing for people live in Okaloosa and surrounding counties. “As funding becomes available additional screening such as echocardiograms, pulmonary function testing, and hearing and vision screenings will be added.”
We Reign Sickle Cell’s 2025 goals are to increase awareness and expand their reach through national partnerships, and to identify the population in Northwest Florida living with Sickle Cell to establish a registry for the Emerald Coast. Their desire is to “have multicultural families, ‘know their status’ and have genetic counseling as part of their normal family planning discussions.”
We Reign Sickle Cell Corporation has partnered with Crestview Resource & Community Development Center to meet community members here in Crestview. Those interested in setting up an appointment at the CRC with We Reign Sickle Cell can contact We Reign Sickle Cell via email at info@wereignscc.com or call 850-774-7084.