Sickle Cell Project

In March 2010, TAIBU developed a coalition involving various associations/organizations engaged in education and advocacy as well as providing psychosocial support services for individuals with Sickle Cell.

The overall goal of this Sickle Cell Coalition Network is

To engage in Best Practices and community-based research to develop comprehensive specialized primary healthcare, health promotion, and social support for individuals with Sickle Cell Disease and their carers.
To reduce the incidence of Sickle Cell crises through support, health promotion, education and appropriate and timely access to specialized primary care;
To reduce hospital admissions
To provide community based social and emotional support to adults with Sickle Cell and their carers

In December 2010, TAIBU initiated a qualitative research approach for people with Sickle Cell as well as caregivers to draw upon their attitudes, feelings, beliefs, experiences and reactions via social gathering and the interaction within focus group discussions. The main purpose of the study was to examine perceived barriers in accessing emergency and primary health care services and strategies to overcome these barriers for people with Sickle Cell as well as caregivers. This was a two-phased study which utilized individual surveys, and semi-structured questionnaires/interviews combined with focus groups with people with Sickle cell as well as caregivers. For more a summary of the study visit: Qualitative Research: Sickle Cell Initiative.

Sickle Cell Self-Help Support Group

The qualitative research Sickle Cell study has given rise to the organic development of a support group for individuals with Sickle cell as well as their caregivers. The ultimate goal is to build individual and familial capacity and empower individuals with Sickle Cell to lead healthy lifestyles.

For more information for the group contact: 416 664 3539 Ext. 224