Join Us for an Interactive Virtual Community Chat During National Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Awareness Month!
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Join Us for an Interactive Virtual Community Chat During National Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Awareness Month!
Tucson, AZ – September 2024 – In recognition of National Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Awareness Month, the Sickle Cell Foundation of Arizona, The Red Cross, AZ Blood Alliance and the Force for Health® Network invite you to join an exciting interactive virtual community chat, where you can engage with experts, participate in discussions, and win prizes.
This broadcast aims to raise awareness about Sickle Cell Disease, the importance of blood donations, and the role we all play in supporting those affected by SCD. Join us for this live interactive session, with challenges, and a chance to connect with advocates and healthcare leaders who carry about the sickle cell disease ecosystem.
Date & Time: Thursday, September 26, 2024, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm (AZ MST)
Where to Watch:
- Sickle Cell Foundation of Arizona Facebook LIVE View & Interact Link
- The Force for Health® Network Linked In LIVE View and Interact Link
- The Force for Health® Network You Tube LIVE and Interact Link
Executive Welcome
The event will kick off with a powerful Executive Welcome, featuring key leaders committed to advancing SCD awareness and support:
- Courtney Slanacker, Executive Director of the Red Cross of Southern Arizona, will speak on Resiliency, SCD & Blood, emphasizing the critical role of blood donations in helping those affected by Sickle Cell Disease.
- Moses Akpan, President of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Arizona, will discuss the foundation’s leadership in advocating for SCD patients and families.
- Cindy Komar, President of the Arizona Blood Alliance, will deliver an insightful talk on Why Advocacy Matters, highlighting the importance of raising awareness and creating policy changes to improve health outcomes.
- Sarah Spiekermeier, COO of Banner Health Plans, will present on Advancing Together, focusing on partnerships that connect with hard-to-reach populations.
- Moderators Lucy Howell and Dr. Robert Gillio of The Force for Health® Network will guide the conversation and set the stage for the interactive sessions.
Event Agenda
- 2:00 pm – 2:15 pm: Executive Introductions
Moderated by Lucy Howell, introducing Courtney, Moses, Cindy, and Sarah with recognition of national and state proclamations. - 2:15 pm – 2:40 pm: What is SCD and Why You Should Care
Featuring Ericka Lassiter, SCFA Board Member, Kwame Lassiter Foundation, followed by an interactive discussion and challenge. - 2:40 pm – 3:00 pm: Why Screening, Medical Home, and Transition are so Important
Featuring Fran Altmaeir, Health Program Administrator at Arizona Department of Health Services, followed by a discussion and challenge. - 3:00 pm – 3:15 pm: From School Nurses to the ER – Why the Front Line Matters Most
Featuring videos and an interactive panel led by Dr. Rob. - 3:15 pm – 3:25 pm: Let’s Play Reality Health Games
Presented by Dr. Robert Gillio and Lucy Howell from The Force for Health® Network, discussing “Know Your Blood. Move Your Blood. Give Your Blood.” - 3:25 pm – 3:30 pm: Wrap Up and Final Challenge
Closing remarks from the Executive Planning Team and a final call to action.
Call to Action
Get involved today by downloading the 360° SCD Hub app for free and joining the Reality Health Games. Together, we can support population health—because it’s a team sport. What role will you play?
For more information, visit https://360scdhub.org/events/advancing-sickle-cell-arizona-community-roundtable-fall-2024/
Contact: Lucy Howell
The Force for Health® Network, CEO
lu**@***************th.com
520 878 6683
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