Ohio Sickle Cell and Health Association

Blood Drive - City of Columbus Wolfe Park Drive (Columbus, OH)
2025-09-03 11:30 - 17:30 (America/Detroit) | Wolfe Park, 105 Park Drive, Columbus, OH, 43209, United States
Help Fill the Need – Donate Blood! – The City of Columbus and the American Red Cross
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
12:00 Noon – 6 pm
Wolfe Park – Shelterhouse
105 Park Drive
Columbus, Ohio, 43209
All who come to give will receive a Free American Red Cross Raglan Shirt!!!
For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767), Sponsor Code: WolfePark.
Download the Donor App!!

Blood Drive - City of Columbus Public Utilities Drive (Columbus, OH)
2025-09-11 11:00 - 17:00 | City Of Columbus, 77 North Front Street, Columbus, OH, 43215
Thursday, September 11, 2025
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Columbus Public Utilities Department
910 Dublin Road,
Columbus, Ohio, 43215
For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
Download the Donor App!! – All donors receive a free health screening prior to donating.
Visit RedCrossBlood.org

Community Heroes Blood Drive Dinner (Cleveland, OH)
2025-09-11 18:00 - 20:30 | Front Steps Housing and Services (Formerly Transitional Housing Inc) 2554 West 25th Street, Cleveland, OH 44113, 2554 West 25th Street, cLEVELAND, Ohio, 44113
Thursday, September 11, Cleveland – MCS-Fund Heroes Dinner 6 pm- 8:30 pm 2554 West 25th Street, Cleveland, OH 44113

2nd Annual Community Heroes Blood Drive Dinner

We are celebrating our community heroes with good food, great company, education on blood donations & advocacy for sickle cell disease!

Date and time

Thursday, September 11 · 6 – 8:30 pm EDT

Location

Front Steps Housing and Services (Formerly Transitional Housing Inc)
2554 West 25th Street, Cleveland, OH 44113
Get directions

About this event

Charity & Causes • Other

Join us for a special evening as we honor outstanding individuals in our community who are making a meaningful impact through service, leadership, and compassion. This inspiring event celebrates those who go above and beyond to uplift and empower others.
The evening will include:

Networking opportunities with community advocates and professionals
Educational presentations from Pfizer and the American Red Cross
Recognition and awards for exemplary community leaders
A nutrient-rich dinner focused on iron-rich foods to promote healthy blood donation
Practical guidance on how to donate blood and host a blood drive in your community

Whether you’re a current donor, a future advocate, or a community leader, this event will leave you informed, inspired, and empowered to make a difference.

Bood Drive - City Hall Internal Drive (Columbus, OH)
2025-09-15 11:00 - 17:00 | Columbus City Hall, 90 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
OPEN TO ALL CITY EMPLOYEES
The City of Columbus Private Internal Drive
Monday, September 15, 2025
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Columbus City Hall – Council Chambers
90 West Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio, 43215

MCS~ FUND LAUGHTER & HEALING 2025 (Cleveland, OH)
2025-09-15 16:30 - 22:00 | Funny Bone Comedy Club, 1148 Main Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113, 1148 Main Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio, 44113
Monday, September 15, Cleveland MCS – Fund Laughter & Healing – 4:30 pm – 9 pm Funny Bone Comedy Club, 1148 Main Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113
Join us for “MCS~FUND Laughter & Healing 2025” — a Sickle Cell fundraiser hosted by comedian Faith Dickens! Hope + Humor = Impact!

Blood Drive - COAAA Drive (Columbus, OH)
2025-09-16 09:00 - 15:00 | Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, 3776 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43207
Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA)
Help Fill the Need – Donate Blood! – The City of Columbus and the American Red Cross
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA)
3776 South High Street
Columbus, Ohio, 43207
For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
Download the Donor App!! – All donors receive a free health screening prior to donating.
Visit RedCrossBlood.org

Blood Drive - City of Columbus (Columbus, OH)
2025-09-18 09:00 - 15:00 | Columbus City Building, 77 North Front Street, Columbus, OH, 43215
The City of Columbus and the American Red Cross
Thursday, September 18, 2025
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
77 North High Street
Columbus, Ohio, 43215
For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
Download the Donor App!! – All donors receive a free health screening prior to donating.
Visit RedCrossBlood.org

Blood Drive - Mt. Gillion Baptist Church & UH Cutler Center for Men (Beachwood, OH)
2025-09-20 09:00 - 15:00 | Ahuja Medical Center, 3999 Richmond Road, Beachwood, Ohio 44122, 3999 Richmond Road, Beachwood, Ohio, 44122
Be a Friend.
Give Blood.

Give blood from August 29 to September 21 for an exclusive Red Cross x PEANUTS mystery bag with one of four iconic T-shirt designs, while supplies last.

Blood Drive- Columbus Public Health Internal Drive (Columbus, OH)
2025-09-24 10:00 - 16:00 | City Of Columbus, 77 North Front Street, Columbus, OH, 43215
OPEN TO ALL CITY EMPLOYEES
The City of Columbus and the American Red Cross
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Columbus Public Health
240 Parsons Avenue
Columbus, Ohio, 43215
For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
Download the Donor App!! – All donors receive a free health screening prior to donating.
Visit RedCrossBlood.org

Blood Drive - MCS Fund Drive (Cleveland, OH)
2025-09-27 10:00 - 15:00 | New Beginning Ministries, 2060 West 65th Street, Cleveland, OH, 44102, United States
Sickle Cell Awareness Month, MCS~Fund
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 10 am-3 pm
Location: New Beginning Ministries, 2060 West 65th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44102
Make an appointment now: https://www.redcrossblood.org/sicklecell
https://www.facebook.com/mcsfundorg/

The Sickle Cell Bike Ride - Ride for Awareness 2025
2025-10-04 | No Cages Harley Davidson, 7610 Commerce Place, Plain City, Ohio, 43064
The Sickle Cell Alliance Foundation and No Cages Harley Davidson, Plain City, Ohio, are developing a ride of awareness for sickle cell disease. More Information to Come

2nd Annual LJP Golf Outing (Powell,OH)
2026-08-10 08:00 - 14:00 | Safari Golf Course, 4853 W Powell Rd,, Powell, OH, 43065
Join us on August 10 at Safari Golf Club for the 2nd Annual LJP Golf Outing in honor of Lance J. Porter.

Every registration, sponsorship, raffle ticket, and donation helps expand access to our year-round programs. These programs include STEM and after-school education for youth, as well as housing support, employment readiness, and cybersecurity training for adults across the communities we serve, among other initiatives.

Here’s what you can expect:
Golf
Great food
Giveaways
Networking
Awards
Silent auction

Whether you’re chasing birdies, looking to make new connections, or simply coming out to support a meaningful cause, everyone is welcome. We’d love to have you with us.

August 10 | 8:00 AM Safari Golf Club

Registration link in the comments.

Event Details: https://www.facebook.com/share/18eKEYW4gd/?mibextid=wwXIfr

#LJPClassic #ColumbusOhio #CharityGolf #SafariGolfClub #LanceAndAileenPorterFoundation

Jack & Jill Erie Shores Chapter Walk/Run - Running the Shores (Cleveland, OH)
2026-08-29 08:00 - 15:00 | Upper Edgewater Park, Cleveland, OH, 44102, United States
Saturday, August 29, 29026, The 3rd Annual Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Erie Shores Chapter will be “Running the Shores” 5K Run/Walk, benefitting the Jack and Jill of America Foundation. We invite friends, family, and the community to join us for a day of friendly competition for a cause. Check-in and on-site registration will open at 8:00 am, followed by recognition of the supported organizations and a special presentation honoring the late Dr. Edgar Jackson, a pioneer in sickle cell research. Racers will set sail at 9:00 am from Edgewater Park, where both individuals and teams are welcome.
PLACE
Upper Edgewater West Shelter is located in Edgewater Park, Cleveland, OH, US 44102

National Sickle Cell Awareness Month
2026-09-01 - 2026-09-30
National Sickle Cell Awareness Month is held every September to raise awareness and attention for sickle cell disease. The ultimate goal is to drive research and treatment options, thereby providing those affected by this illness with a better quality of life. History of National Sickle Cell Awareness Month

Faith Thomas Foundation-2026 Red Diamond Gala (Columbus, OH)
2026-09-11 18:30 - 23:00 | The Boat House at Confluence Park, 679 West Spring Street, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Faith Thomas Foundation – Enjoy a cocktail hour, a powerful program with guest speakers highlighting the latest advancements in sickle cell treatment, a silent auction, awards, and music. It’s a night you won’t want to miss!
Red Diamond Gala

Friday, September 11, 2026
6:00 PM 11:00 PM
The Boat House at Confluence Park, 679 West Spring Street, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States

https://www.faiththomasfoundation.org/events-register/event-two-zr6pd

KKS - 22nd Annual Sickle Cell-abration Gala (Cleveland, OH)
2026-09-11 19:00 - 23:00 | The Mediterranean Event Center, 25021 Rockside Road, Bedford Heights, OH, 44146, United States
Save the Date and join Kincaid’s Kindred Spirits for their 22nd Annual Sickle Cell-abration Gala. This year’s theme: Be Empowered. Gala Theme Colors: Yellow, Black & White! RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY!

Heal Together: Race for Sicke Cell 5K Run/Walk (Toledo, OH)
2026-09-19 08:00 - 12:00 | Ottawa Park – Ottawa Parkway Toledo, OH 43606, Ottawa Oarkway, Toledo, Ohio, 43606
Heal Together: Race For Sickle Cell 5K Run/Walk

SCDAA National Convention - North Carolina
2026-10-15 - 2026-10-17 | Loews – Chicago O’Hare, 5300 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL, 60018, United States
Save the date for the 54th Annual National Convention, October 15-17. 2026 at Embassy Suites by Hilton, Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa in Concord, North Carolina!

You may know that the iconic dogwood is North Carolina’s state flower, but did you know that it is also a symbol of hope and new beginnings? Our 54th Annual National Convention theme pays tribute to our host state and recognizes our community’s transition into a new era of sickle cell care.
SCDAA’s Annual National Convention fosters the exchange of the latest scientific and clinical information through innovative training seminars and educational workshops, interactive panel discussions, advocacy lectures, and special events. Stay tuned for updates!

Toledo Caring for the Caregiver Expo (Perrysburg, OH)
2026-10-31 09:00 - 14:30 | Hilton Garden Inn, 6165 Levis Commons Blvd,, Perrysburg, OH, 43551, United States
https://ohiosicklecell.org/new/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/CAREGIVERS-2026_SPOT3.mp3

Saturday, October 31, 2026, in Toledo, Ohio, for the 4th Annual Caring for the Caregiver Expo at The Hilton Garden Inn, 6165 Levis Commons Blvd, Perrysburg, Ohio
The Annual Caring for the Caregiver Expo is a unique, free event exclusively for adults, including caregivers and first responders. The Annual Caring for the Caregiver Expo is a one-of-a-kind, “Free” event for adults only.
The Caring for the Caregiver Expo includes Free Parking, Free Entry, Free Lunch and Learn Workshops with featured Guest Speakers, Free Pampering Services, Free Health and Fitness Sessions, Free Exhibitor Information and Resources, Prizes, Giveaways and Lots of Fun!
A free lunch is provided while supplies last.
Pampering Services are limited and subject to change without notice. You must be 18 and over to enter.

This is an adult-only event!
Free event for all Caregivers and First Responders
Free Parking
Free Lunch and Learn
Free Pampering Services
Free Health and Fitness Sessions
Free Exhibitor and Vendor Information, Prizes, Giveaways, and lots of Fun!

https://www.caringforthecaregiverexpo.com/
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Columbus Caring for the Caregiver Expo (Columbus, OH)
2026-11-07 09:00 - 14:30 | The Boat House at Confluence Park, 679 West Spring Street, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
We invite you to Join Us on Saturday, November 7, 2026, for the 7th Annual Caring for the Caregiver Expo.

The Boat House, 679 W. Spring Street, Columbus, Ohio
The Annual Caring for the Caregiver Expo is a unique, free event exclusively for adults, including caregivers and first responders. The Annual Caring for the Caregiver Expo is a one-of-a-kind, “Free” event for adults only.
The Caring for the Caregiver Expo includes Free Parking, Free Entry, Free Lunch and Learn Workshops with featured Guest Speakers, Free Pampering Services, Free Health and Fitness Sessions, Free Exhibitor Information and Resources, Prizes, Giveaways and Lots of Fun!
A free lunch is provided while supplies last.
Pampering Services are limited and subject to change without notice. You must be 18 and over to enter.

This is an adult-only!
Free event for all Caregivers and First Responders
Free Parking
Free Lunch and Learn
Free Pampering Services
Free Health and Fitness Sessions
Free Exhibitor and Vendor Information, Prizes, Giveaways, and lots of Fun!

https://www.caringforthecaregiverexpo.com/

Cleveland Caring for the Caregiver Expo (Mayfield Heights, OH)
2026-11-21 09:00 - 14:00 | The Landerhaven, 6111 Landerhaven Drive, Mayfield Heights,, OH, 44124, United States
Cleveland Caring for the Caregiver Expo is a “Free” One-Day Event for All Caregivers and First Responders.

Saturday, November 21, 2026, g for the Caregiver Expo

“The 3rd Annual Cleveland Caring for the Caregiver Expo” is a “Free” One-Day Event to say thank you and provide pampering, health and fitness, lunch-and-learn, resources, information, an open mic, education, and employment opportunities for Caregivers and First Responders! The Inaugural Cleveland Caring for the Caregiver Expo will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at The Landerhaven, 6111 Landerhaven Drive, Mayfield Heights, Ohio. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. The official opening Program begins promptly at 9 a.m.

All Caregivers must register and sign in at the door. www.caringforthecaregiverexpo.com

World Sickle Cell Day - June 19th
2027-01-01 - 2027-06-19
WORLD SICKLE CELL DAY

World Sickle Cell Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008 to increase public awareness about sickle cell disease and its cure. It was first celebrated on June 19, 2009.
The United Nations General Assembly (63rd session) has declared June 19 to be celebrated annually as World Sickle Cell Day to raise awareness about this curable condition and promote global control of the disease. The World Health Organization has initiated a range of promotional activities on a global scale to address this hemoglobin dysfunction issue.

According to the statistics, it has been noted that more than 1000 babies are born every day, having Sickle Cell Disease in Africa and dying up to five years of age. More than 90,000 to 100,000 people in the United States are affected by this disease. However, people in other countries are also affected, such as those in India, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the Arabian Peninsula, Brazil, Suriname, Guyana, Southern Italy, and Greece. It is a significant public health issue worldwide, which must be taken under control to save our healthy nation’s future.
This genetic health problem has affected people globally, due to the risk of premature child death. It requires effective control through a strategy of early detection, public awareness, and effective partner collaboration among countries.
WHAT IS SICKLE CELL DISEASE
It is an inheritable, genetic, and fatal disease causing red blood cell disorders, which has been classified as sickle cell anemia and may lead to death. It is the most common public health issue in many African and Asian countries worldwide.
Sickle cell anemia refers to a condition where a person suffers from anemia due to abnormally shaped red blood cells that become stuck in their small blood vessels, causing blockages in the blood flow. Whole body organs cannot get proper oxygen, which leads to common health problems like severe pain, organ damage or failure, severe infections, stroke, headache, liver problems, heart problems, and so on.
WHY IS WORLD SICKLE CELL DAY CELEBRATED
World Sickle Cell Day is celebrated every year on June 19th worldwide to raise public awareness about this fatal disease and to achieve effective control over the situation. It is celebrated annually by the active participation of various government organizations, health funding agencies, non-government organizations, NGOs, and other health organizations. It has become necessary to run a variety of campaigns to raise awareness among the general public on a global basis, as well as encourage them to actively participate in large numbers in the celebration, to get much closer to the realities of this genetic disease.
It is celebrated to develop courage among the public and support them through educational and dramatic activities, aiming to remove social stigma and myths about sickle cell anemia. Widespread health programs need to be implemented for the screening of patients and early diagnosis of this disease. New parents are focused on becoming aware of immunizations and their comprehensive care packages.
Global Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Centers have been actively involved online in promoting awareness and providing up-to-date, accurate information about sickle cell anemia, early diagnosis, and treatment. The World Health Organization has also made some commitments to promoting awareness of this disease, such as:

Increasing effective awareness of sickle cell anemia as a significant health issue worldwide.
People living in every community all around the world should be aware of it.
All the myths and stigmas about sickle cell disease are removed.
All member countries are requested to establish various health programs to facilitate access to treatment for this disease on the national and regional levels.
Promoting the availability of satisfactory access to technical support and medical services for all people suffering from this disease.
All the medical professionals are given a good training facility for better prevention, research work, and accurate implementation of the resources, minimizing disease complications.

SOME OF THE OBJECTIVES OF CELEBRATING THE WORLD SICKLE CELL DAY EVENT ANNUALLY ARE MENTIONED BELOW:

To distribute the real information about sickle cell anemia much closer to the general public worldwide.
By letting them know about their sickle cell status through early diagnosis, we can offer a significant opportunity to all those suffering from this disease.
Provide the opportunity to get in contact with the service providers for their confirmatory tests.
To get support from health organizations for funding, screening reagents, microscopes, etc.
To get together all the medical professionals, including lab assistants, scientists, nurses, counselors, etc.
To get online support through various social media websites, easily and immediately distribute messages among youths and other age groups.
To implement new health strategies to eradicate this disease from the world entirely.
To motivate private, government, and other health organizations to active participation in the complete eradication of this disease.

HOW WORLD SICKLE CELL DAY IS CELEBRATED
World Sickle Cell Day is celebrated on June 19 every year by organizing a variety of awareness campaigns worldwide. Some of the awareness activities are motivating people for blood drives in the hospital or community, bone marrow registration drives, releasing balloons and butterflies, discussion campaigns, general conversation programs among the common public, commemorative activities, awareness surveys of people, sharing of related stories through a newspaper or online media, educational programs in the community, presentations, sports activities, organizing rallies, meetings, a press conference for awareness, fundraising for comprehensive treatment, blood awareness, donating tissues and cord blood, organizing comedy activities, quiz competitions, and other related activities in the schools, colleges, and universities.
Other activities include related message writing on hand and message distribution, picture drawing, creating hopeful messages, poster distribution, lucky draw contest, health talks, massage posting on a social media website, organizing free checkup camps for testing of the sickle cell anemia, people’s response broadcasting through the radio and TV channels, marathon and many more.
WORLD SICKLE CELL DAY THEMES

2026 “Closing the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Disease”
2025 “Global Action, Local Impact: Empowering Communities for Effective Self-Advocacy”
2024 “Hope Through Progress: Advancing Care Globally”
2019 – 2023 “Shine the Light on Sickle Cell Disease”
2018 “Stepping Up”, “SCD: Walk For Hope.”
2017 “Break the Sickle Cycle”.
2016 “Exhibit Courage and Address Ineffective Areas of Support”
2015 “For Sickle Cell to stop being ignored, you must Stop Your Silence and Share Your Truth.”
2014 “Break the Silence on Sickle Cell Disorder”
2013 “Know Your Sickle Cell Status”
2012 “Keeping Hope Alive”
2011 “Educate and Unite”
2010 “Awareness, Education and Hope”
2009 “The Burden of Sickle Cell Disease – A Public Health Approach”
2008 “Recognition of Sickle Cell Anemia as a Public Health Problem”

Rare Disease Day -February 28th
2027-01-01 - 2027-02-28
Rare Disease Day is the globally coordinated movement on rare diseases, working towards equity in social opportunity, healthcare, and access to diagnosis and therapies for people living with a rare disease.
Since its creation in 2008, Rare Disease Day has played a critical part in building an international rare disease community that is multi-disease, global, and diverse– but united in purpose.
Rare Disease Day is observed every year on 28 February (or 29 in leap years)—the rarest day of the year.
Rare Disease Day was set up and is coordinated by EURORDIS and 65+ national alliance patient organization partners. Rare Disease Day provides an energy and focal point that enables rare disease advocacy work to progress on the local, national and international levels.
