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We responded to an immediate need from the community last December 2022 and found an opportunity to provide further education on topics such as suicide prevention.

In memory of Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who was a guest on BlackDoctor.org when he partnered with Novartis, manufacturer of ADAKVEO (crizanlizumab-tmca), to launch the “Do U” Dance Challenge in support of sickle cell warriors. We decided to address Mental Health & Suicide Prevention.

If you have suicidal thoughts or believe that need mental health support, do not hesitate to call:

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Hours: Available 24 hours | Languages: English & Spanish

You can also reach out to your Regional Community Health Worker and ask about our CA SCD Mental Health & Wellness Initiative , or email us at info@cayennewellness.org for more information and support.

Meet our Moderator | Carolyn Rowley, Ph.D.

Dr. Carolyn Rowley is the Founder and Executive Director of Cayenne Wellness Center and Children’s Foundation (a non-profit organization dedicated to health and wellness). In her role as Executive Director, she specializes in nutrition (well known for her 3-4-4 nutritional program), health psychology and treating patients and their families with sickle cell disease.  She also began another non-profit organization in 2005, as a result of her missionary experience to Kenya, East Africa (The Machao Orphanage Foundation). Twelve years ago, Dr. Rowley responded to an immediate need – to house the original 13 children and many that were on the waiting list. Her first strategic plan: Strategic Plan I: Foundation, afforded her the vision to build the dorms, latrines and other buildings (2009); to provide clean water (2010); to put in solar panels (2011); to provide food by building a green-house and chicken coop (2012); and to put in solar irrigation (2014-2016).  Her second strategic plan: Strategic Plan 2: Impact, has led her to strategically take care of more orphans and have the orphanage be sustainable and economically self-reliant by the year 2020.

Dr. Rowley holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Psychology from Loyola Marymount University, a Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and a nutrition certificate from Trinity College.

Meet our Speaker | Lori Lynn Vick, Ph.D., MAT, RN

Her Academic Background

  • Iowa Wesleyan (College) University, BSN/BS Biology, 05/92
  • Western Illinois University, Master of Arts in Teaching,12/05
  • National Institute of Nursing Research-Summer Genetics Institute, Graduate Certificate, 06/12
  • Medical University of South Carolina, PhD, Nursing, 05/16
  • Programs to Increase Diversity Among Individuals Engaged in Health-Related Research (PRIDE) Georgia Cancer Center – Augusta University, PRIDE-NHLBI Certificate 07/18

One of her most noted Research Studies recently completed, was a systematic review of a synthesis of variables from a human behavior perspective were identified that may promote adherence to hydroxyurea in persons with SCD. The findings will be used as a foundation for an intervention study.

For more information about our services, please email us at info@cayennewellness.org.

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