Sickle Cell Disease Mental Health Coalition

Abstract

This project aims to establish a Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Mental Health Coalition in the Memphis metropolitan area through a structured, community-driven process over a two-year period. The initiative focuses on the early phase of coalition building, emphasizing three months of intensive recruitment via key informant interviews, interest meetings, and strategic outreach. Recruitment methods include cold calls and emails, partner referrals, and collaborations with key community organizations such as the Sickle Cell Foundation of Tennessee, supported by an initial internal grant to provide meeting refreshments and participant incentives. Following recruitment, the project will prioritize regular meetings, transparent communication, and relationship-building to prepare for jointly developing a coalition charter and governance structure. Anticipated outcomes include a diverse and engaged coalition membership, sustained partner participation, and a foundational platform for future collaborative efforts to address the mental health needs of individuals living with SCD in Memphis.