The Benefits of Connecting

How important is community connection? Are there benefits to feeling like you're part of a group? The Indiana Sickle Cell Consortium (ISCC) believes that a sense of community is important for everyone’s wellbeing, especially those with a chronic condition. Connecting with other people who can relate to the ups and downs of living with a chronic condition help ensure you don’t feel like you’re alone. That's why consortium members work to connect those affected by sickle cell to others with similar experiences. 
 
Our most recent community outreach project involved ISCC booth representation at the INShape Indiana Black and Minority Health Fair from July 13th to 16th. At this event we had the opportunity to talk to over 1,000 people about sickle cell disease and the importance of getting tested for sickle cell trait. Several people with sickle cell disease volunteered to staff our booth, and this was a chance for them to talk about their experiences with health fair attendees.
 
What’s the next event in the pipeline? The 9th Annual Sickle Cell-abration on September 30, 2017! (Check out event details here: https://2017sicklecellabration.eventbrite.com). This event, which includes education about sickle cell disease, will also feature a fashion show. Fashion show models will all be people with sickle cell disease. The fashion show will be a chance for patients to share their experiences and meet other people who are living with or affected by sickle cell disease.
 
Feeling part of a larger community is important for those who are living with a chronic illness. The ISCC is striving to help people living with sickle cell create that community for themselves. If you're interested in volunteering or participating in any of our events contact the consortium at [email protected].

Ellen Bloom, MPH, CHES; Sickle SAFE Program Coordinator
The Indiana Hemophilia & Thrombosis Center