SCD Emerging Adults Transition Program: I’m Ready!

Are You Interested in this Program?

Learn more about its structure, benefits, and how to apply, here:

Mission

To enhance the lives and reduce mortality of transitioning young adults diagnosed with sickle cell disease through a purposeful transition program.

Vision

To be a model for addressing the transition needs of young adults diagnosed with sickle cell disease as they transition to adult care by improving disease knowledge, skills in navigating medical care, specific health outcomes, targeting specific barriers to transition, and involving close pediatric and adult provider collaboration to successfully bridge the medical and emotional needs of this population.

Program Structure

The curriculum is six months long and consists of 3 components:

1. Program Schedule:

The first is bi-weekly meetings (x2 a month) from January – April. The meetings are from 10am – 12pm PST/1pm – 3pm EST, and will have interactive activities on:

Sickle Cell Disease and Trait basics;
Genetics;
Navigating the Adult Health Care System;
Prescriptions;
Advocacy;
Mental Health;
Approved and Alternative Treatments for Sickle Cell Disease and Trait;
Relationships and Dating;
Marriage and Children;
Studies and Career Planning;
Among Others.

Participants will also be paired up with a Mentor from the SCD community who will check on them throughout the program.

2. Requirements:

Participants will utilize May to complete their virtual internship experience. Within this month, they will put their knowledge to practice by reflecting, role-playing, and collaborating to reflect on their transition from pediatric to adult care or touring and interviewing where and who they’ll receive care from when they transition.

Role of Mentees The young adults will be split into two groups based on age: those 16-21 years old will be placed in group A and those 21-22 years old will be in group B. Mentees are encouraged to reach out to their mentors for advice throughout the internship experience and mentors are expected to guide mentees!
Role of Mentors The goal of the mentorship program is to support those individuals who are transitioning from pediatrics to adult care. It will consist of 1-on-1 phone calls, text messages and/or zoom meetings that will focus on healthy living with Sickle Cell Disease and Trait.