Sickle cell disease is associated with chronic pain, frequent hospitalizations, and varying levels of disability, all of which can contribute to mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, and stress. ASCA is hopeful as we create a mental health community-based model offering comprehensive, accessible, and culturally competent support, focusing on a multidisciplinary approach. The outline below is the community mental health model tailored for people with sickle cell disease:
- Understanding the Community Needs
- The model is a multidisciplinary initiative which starts with conducting community needs assessments (through surveys, focus groups, and interviews) to understand the mental health challenges, cultural beliefs, and barriers to care within the population affected by SCD.
- This initiative is targeted for people of all ages with SCD, including caregivers, family members, and individuals at varying stages of life.
- Multidisciplinary Care Team
- This team will comprise of culturally diverse Psychologists & Counselors, Psychiatrists, social workers, Peer Support Workers, community leaders, people from different faith groups.
Join this initiative, send an expression of interest via this link: https://aussicklecelladvocacy.org/contact/
Mental Health Education and Awareness:
- ASCA is committed to this program which will conduct workshops that provide psychoeducation about the emotional and psychological aspects of SCD. Topics could include coping strategies, stress management, and understanding mental health.
- The program offers age-appropriate mental health education in schools and youth programs to help children and adolescents with SCD understand and cope with their condition.
- The program also offers resources and support for families to better understand the mental and emotional needs of loved ones with SCD.
- Establish peer-led support groups where individuals with SCD can share experiences, discuss coping strategies, and form a sense of community.
- Recognize the mental health needs of caregivers by providing support groups and counseling services tailored to their emotional well-being.
- Cultural Understanding to ensure that mental health professionals are trained in the cultural norms, values, and health beliefs of the affected community to provide culturally sensitive care.
- These sessions address stigma surrounding both sickle cell disease and mental health, emphasizing that seeking help is a strength and not a weakness.
- ASCA is aware that sometimes, language can be a barrier, hence sessions in local languages and dialects spoken in the community, as well as offer interpreters will be provided when necessary.
Join this initiative, send an expression of interest via this link: https://aussicklecelladvocacy.org/contact/
