Advocacy
Education-First
Turning Knowledge Into Community Power
Real change starts with what people know and what they can do. Our movement centers education—for families, students, providers, and the broader community—so care becomes more informed, more compassionate, and more effective for everyone impacted by sickle cell.
We do not lobby. Our work is education, awareness, and skills-building that equips communities to navigate care and champion equity.
Our Education Priorities
Health Equity Education
We create clear, accessible learning materials that explain barriers to care and practical ways communities can respond so families know their options and providers understand lived experience.
Provider & Clinic Trainings
We offer talks and in-service sessions (with case examples and communication best practices) that help clinical teams recognize complications sooner, respond to pain appropriately, and build trust with families.
Family & Caregiver Workshops
From crisis preparation to school coordination, we teach families how to organize medical info, advocate in appointments, and plan for school and travel reducing stress and improving outcomes.
School & Youth Education
We partner with schools and youth programs to increase understanding among teachers, coaches, and peers supporting attendance, safe participation in activities, and stigma-free environments.
Storytelling & Awareness
Mikayla’s story is a teaching tool. We use personal narratives, events, and digital content to make the invisible visible, and to move communities from sympathy to informed support.
Data & Insights for the Community
We translate research and public data into plain-language guides and infographics so families, churches, and neighborhood leaders can see trends and share accurate information.
Recent Education Milestones
- 🏛️Minneapolis City Hall World Sickle Cell Day Recognition (June 2023)
City leaders recognized our education and awareness efforts on World Sickle Cell Day, elevating community voices and spotlighting the importance of informed care.
Photo captions for your gallery:
- “Recognized at Minneapolis City Hall for education and awareness — June 2023.”
- “Proclamation presented: World Sickle Cell Day education efforts.”
- “Families and community partners standing together for informed care.”
What We Offer
- Free Community Talks & Panels (churches, schools, community centers)
- Clinic & Hospital Education Sessions (grand rounds / in-service)
- Family Toolkits (crisis planning, school 504 coordination, travel prep)
- Educator Guides (classroom supports, attendance plans, activity safety)
- Digital Awareness Campaigns (myths vs. facts, how to help)
- Downloadable Infographics & One-Pagers (plain-language explanations)
Get Involved (Education Actions)
- Host a Workshop – Bring a speaker or training to your school, clinic, or church.
- Request a Speaker – Invite Mikayla or a caregiver educator for your event.
- Access Toolkits – Download family, educator, and community resources.
- Become an Education Ambassador – Share verified content in your networks.
Design Tips (to keep it professional)
- Rename the page in your nav to “Advocacy & Education” (or keep “Advocacy” with the “Education-First” subtitle).
- Use clean program cards for “Provider Trainings,” “Family Workshops,” “School Education,” “Ambassador Program,” and “Toolkits.”
- Place the June 2023 recognition photos in a 2–3 image strip with concise captions and strong alt text.
- Add a small resources sidebar with quick links: “Myths vs. Facts,” “School 504 Basics,” “Travel Checklist.”
