About Us
The Sickle Cell Empowerment Initiative (SCEI) is a Brooklyn-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease.
Founded in 2023, SCEI was created from a deep understanding of the challenges that can come with navigating sickle cell disease—from accessing quality care and reliable resources to finding community, support, and spaces where patients and caregivers feel heard.
Our work bridges advocacy and action. Through education, support programs, community engagement, healthcare partnerships, and direct-resource initiatives, we work to address real needs while creating opportunities for individuals and families to connect, learn, advocate, and thrive.
SCEI believes that people affected by sickle cell disease should not simply be included in conversations about their care—they should help shape them. We center the voices and lived experiences of patients and caregivers while building partnerships with healthcare providers, researchers, community organizations, and industry leaders to help advance more equitable and responsive care.
From providing practical support to families to creating spaces for connection and elevating the sickle cell community in healthcare and advocacy settings, SCEI is building a stronger network of support around those affected by sickle cell disease.
We illuminate lives. We amplify voices. We empower community.
We believe that those affected by Sickle Cell Disease can overcome any obstacle and thrive with the proper support and resources.
Our Mission
The Sickle Cell Empowerment Initiative is dedicated to empowering individuals and families affected by Sickle Cell Disease through advocacy, education, community support, and access to meaningful resources. We work to amplify the voices of the sickle cell community, address gaps in care, strengthen connections between patients, families, providers, and community partners, and advance meaningful change in healthcare, research, and public awareness—so that every person affected by sickle cell disease has the support and opportunity to thrive.
Our Vision
We envision a future where every person affected by sickle cell disease is seen, heard, supported, and empowered to live fully. A future where equitable, compassionate care is accessible to all, patient and caregiver voices help shape healthcare and research, and no individual or family has to navigate sickle cell disease alone.