World Sickle Cell Day Celebration
Honoring Strength. Raising Awareness. Inspiring Change.
Each year, in recognition of World Sickle Cell Day (June 19), Strength in Sickle Cell (SISC) hosts Squeeze D Sickle, a full-day educational and community celebration dedicated to increasing awareness of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), honoring individuals and families affected by the disease, and recognizing leaders who have advanced Sickle Cell advocacy.
The event brings together patients, families, healthcare professionals, researchers, advocates, community organizations, and supporters to promote education, encourage collaboration, and improve the quality of care for people living with Sickle Cell Disease.
Event Highlights
Squeeze D Sickle features a variety of educational and interactive activities, including:
- Recognition of children living with Sickle Cell Disease for their courage and resilience.
- Recognition of outstanding Sickle Cell advocates whose leadership has advanced awareness, education, research, and patient support.
- Educational presentations by healthcare professionals, researchers, and community experts.
- Resource exhibits and community information.
- Family activities and networking opportunities.
- Survivor and caregiver stories.
- Community discussions focused on improving healthcare and support services.
Expert Panel Discussion
One of the featured sessions is a moderated panel discussion that gives attendees the opportunity to hear directly from individuals with diverse experiences in the Sickle Cell community.
The panel may include:
- Healthcare professionals
- Adults living with Sickle Cell Disease
- Parents and caregivers
- Patient advocates
- Researchers
- Community leaders
Audience members can ask questions and participate in discussions about living with Sickle Cell Disease, navigating healthcare systems, treatment options, advocacy, and improving patient outcomes.
Educational Topics
The conference provides current information on a variety of important topics, including:
- Understanding Sickle Cell Disease and Sickle Cell Trait
- Genetic inheritance and family planning
- Preventive healthcare and disease management
- New and emerging treatment options
- Advances in research and potential future therapies
- Pain management strategies
- Mental health and emotional well-being
- Transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare
- Patient rights and self-advocacy
- Accessing healthcare and community resources
Improving Emergency & Hospital Care
A key goal of Squeeze D Sickle is to strengthen understanding among healthcare professionals about the unique needs of individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease.
Educational discussions may include:
- Timely assessment and treatment of pain crises
- Patient-centered and culturally responsive care
- Effective communication with patients and families
- Individualized pain management plans
- Comfort measures that may support patient well-being, such as heat therapy, hydration, mobility, nutrition, and other supportive care approaches, as appropriate within each patient’s treatment plan
- Improving coordination of care across emergency departments, hospital units, outpatient clinics, and community providers
By encouraging collaboration between patients, families, advocates, and healthcare professionals, the event promotes greater understanding and improved care experiences.
Art, Wellness & Healing
Squeeze D Sickle also highlights the role of creative expression and wellness activities in supporting emotional health and overall well-being.
Participants may explore art-based activities and other complementary wellness approaches that encourage self-expression, stress reduction, resilience, and community connection as part of a comprehensive approach to living with Sickle Cell Disease.
Giving the Community a Voice
At the heart of Squeeze D Sickle is the belief that individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease should have an active voice in shaping the future of care.
The event provides opportunities for patients, caregivers, and families to share their experiences, identify unmet needs, and discuss recommendations for improving healthcare services, community support, education, and advocacy.
Join Us
Whether you are living with Sickle Cell Disease, caring for someone who is, working in healthcare, conducting research, or simply interested in learning more, Squeeze D Sickle offers an opportunity to learn, connect, celebrate, and advocate for a stronger future for the Sickle Cell community.
Together, we can increase awareness, improve healthcare, strengthen advocacy, and help create better outcomes for individuals and families affected by Sickle Cell Disease.