Who We Are
For 40 years, the Sickle Cell Association of Ontario has empowered people with Sickle Cell Disease, raising awareness through advocacy, education, fundraising, and outreach.
About Us
A Legacy of Service
YYZ Hilightz Special Presentation, Host Jemelle Williams speaks with the Founder of the Sickle Cell Association of Ontario, Lillie Johnson.
Founded in 1981, the Sickle Cell Association of Ontario (SCAO) is a volunteer-based, non-profit, community-driven organization. We are committed to providing support, resources, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by Sickle Cell Disease across Ontario.
For over 40 years, our organization has been the voice of the Sickle Cell community, lobbying for better healthcare, educating the public, and empowering those living with this life-altering disease. Our work has made tangible differences in the lives of many, and we remain steadfast in our mission to offer hope and improved quality of life for every person affected.
Along with providing support to those living with Sickle Cell Disease and their families, we’ve educated the general public about the disease through workshops, conferences, and community outreach. We also continue to advocate on behalf of the Sickle Cell community for better services and treatment.
Our Core Values
At the heart of everything we do, the Sickle Cell Association of Ontario is guided by the following core values:
- Compassion: We understand the challenges faced by those living with Sickle Cell Disease and offer our unwavering support.
- Advocacy: We fight for better healthcare and policies that provide access to the best possible care for the Sickle Cell community.
- Education: We believe that knowledge is power and are dedicated to spreading awareness and information about Sickle Cell Disease.
- Community: Together, we are stronger. We foster a sense of belonging and support for individuals and families affected by Sickle Cell.
Become a part of our mission to empower the Sickle Cell community.
Our Achievements
Our organization’s efforts have led to significant milestones in the fight against Sickle Cell Disease. These achievements highlight our commitment to advancing care, education, and public awareness for individuals affected by this condition:
- Newborn Screening: Successfully lobbying for the inclusion of Sickle Cell Disease in newborn screening across Ontario. In 2005, this groundbreaking decision was made, and by November 2006, the first newborns were screened, ensuring early diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Healthcare Education Partnership: Partnering with Humber College School of Health Sciences, the first College of Nursing in Canada to include education on Hemoglobinopathies in its curriculum (2013). This collaboration ensures that future healthcare professionals are better equipped to care for Sickle Cell patients.
- Annual Education Conference: Organizing yearly conferences that educate the general public, health professionals, and individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease about current treatments, research, and care strategies.
Become a part of our mission to empower the Sickle Cell community.
Our Mission
A Commitment to Improving Lives
The mission of the Sickle Cell Association of Ontario is to serve the community as a recognized voluntary agency that endeavors to optimize the quality of life for individuals and families with Sickle Cell Disease.
Through our programs, advocacy, and educational outreach, we strive to create a future where every person living with Sickle Cell Disease has access to the care, support, and resources they need to lead a fulfilling life. Our goal is to continue making strides toward a world where Sickle Cell Disease no longer limits anyone’s potential.
Help us continue our mission by becoming a supporter today.
