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Oct 31 2025
🎄 Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation of Oregon’s 2025 Christmas Party & Toy Giveaway! 🎁

Celebrate the Holidays with Sickle Cell Families Across Oregon

The Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation of Oregon (SCAFO) is thrilled to invite you to our 2025 Christmas Party and Toy Giveaway — a cherished community tradition that brings smiles, laughter, and joy to sickle cell families each holiday season.

If you or your family are affected by sickle cell disease, this event is just for you! Come celebrate the holidays, connect with others in our community, and take home free toys for the kids.

🎁 Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
🕛 Time: Party starts promptly at 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Matt Dishman Community Center Auditorium
77 NE Knott Street, Portland, OR 97212

🎤 Guest Speaker
🍪 Snacks & Refreshments Provided
🎟️ Toy Giveaway & Door Prize Drawing

Be sure to arrive early to receive your ticket for the toy drawing — the fun begins right at noon!

🧸 How to Register

Registration is required to receive free toys — and it’s quick and easy!

👉 Register online here: https://tinyurl.com/SCAFOTOYS25

Please note: Registrations are not accepted by phone or email.
Only sickle cell patients and their family members are eligible to register.

❤️ Get Involved – Volunteer or Sponsor

Want to help make the holidays brighter for local sickle cell families?
We’re always looking for volunteers, donors, and sponsors to support this community celebration.

📧 Contact us at info@sicklecelloregon.org to get involved.

🎅 Let’s Celebrate Together!

The Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation of Oregon’s Christmas Party and Toy Giveaway is more than just a festive event — it’s a day of hope, connection, and giving for families impacted by sickle cell disease.

Join us in spreading holiday cheer this December. We can’t wait to see you there!

2025 SCAFO Christmas Party & Toy Giveaway

Click to DOWNLOAD our Flyer as a PDF file.

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Oct 22 2025
Join Us for Our Annual Thanksgiving Community Impact Day!

Free Thanksgiving Sickle Cell Update Seminar

The Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation of Oregon (SCAFO) is thrilled to invite Sickle Cell Warriors and their families to our Annual Thanksgiving Community Impact Day! This special event combines education, wellness, and community connection in celebration of our resilient sickle cell community.

Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Augustana Lutheran Church
2710 NE 14th Avenue, Portland, OR 97212

What You’ll Experience

Join us for a comprehensive sickle cell update seminar featuring:

  • Educational presentations on the latest sickle cell disease information
  • Free health screenings including blood pressure checks
  • Complimentary sickle cell testing
  • Wellness services to support your health journey
  • Refreshments provided throughout the event
  • Community connection with fellow Sickle Cell Warriors

Free Gift Cards for Registered Attendees!

All registered attendees who check in between 12:00 PM and 12:30 PM will receive a free gift card! Plus, you’ll be entered into a special raffle drawing for a $100 certificate to Dean’s Beauty Salon.

Important Registration Details

Registration Deadline: Saturday, November 15, 2025

Check-In Requirement: You must arrive and check in between 12:00 PM and 12:30 PM on November 22nd to receive your gift card. Late arrivals will not be eligible.

How to Register

Register online now to reserve your spot and gift card!

You can also scan the QR code on our event flyer or call us at 503-249-1366 for assistance with registration.

Event Location & Directions

Augustana Lutheran Church 2710 NE 14th Avenue Portland, OR 97212

Free parking is available on-site. The venue is wheelchair accessible.

Why Attend?

This isn’t just another health seminar—it’s a celebration of our sickle cell community and an opportunity to:

  • Stay informed about the latest sickle cell research and treatment options
  • Access free health resources that support your wellness
  • Connect with others who understand the sickle cell journey
  • Receive valuable gift cards to help with Thanksgiving expenses
  • Enter exciting raffles for additional prizes

Our Generous Sponsors

This event is made possible by our wonderful sponsors:

  • Dean’s Beauty Salon (providing our $100 raffle certificate!)
  • Pfizer
  • PNDC (Pacific Northwest Dental Clinic)

We’re grateful for their commitment to supporting the sickle cell community in Portland.

Contact Information

Have questions about the event? We’re here to help!

Phone: 503-249-1366 Email: info@sicklecelloregon.org

Office Location: The Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation of Oregon 4566 NE 87th Avenue Portland, OR 97220

Don’t Miss Out!

Register today and join us for this meaningful Thanksgiving celebration. Space is limited, and registration closes November 15th!

Click here to register now

We look forward to seeing you on November 22nd for a day of education, community, and gratitude!

2025 SCAFO Thanksgiving

Download our poster here.

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Oct 12 2025
Sickle Cell Oregon Newsletter October 2025 | Myth-Busting & Trait Info

Sickle Cell Oregon Globe – October 2025 Newsletter

Welcome to the October 2025 edition of the Sickle Cell Oregon Globe! This month we’re setting the record straight on common myths about sickle cell disease, sharing critical information about sickle cell trait that could save lives, and issuing an urgent call for blood donations to support our community.

In This Month’s Newsletter:

Setting the Record Straight: Myth-Busting About Sickle Cell Disease

Misinformation about sickle cell disease can be harmful and even dangerous. Executive Director Pastor Marcia Taylor addresses two of the most persistent myths about SCD that need to be corrected:

Myth #1: Only Black People Get Sickle Cell Disease
The truth is that sickle cell disease does not discriminate based on ethnicity or skin color. Anyone of any ethnicity can have SCD. The disease is also found in people of Indian, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, and Mediterranean backgrounds. Whether children are born with SCD depends only on their parents’ genetic status, not their ethnicity or race.

Myth #2: Sickle Cell is a Contagious Blood-Borne Disease
SCD is a genetic condition present at birth, inherited when a child receives a sickle cell gene and an abnormal hemoglobin gene from each parent. It is not possible to get infected with SCD from someone else’s blood. Sickle cell disease is not contagious—you cannot “catch” SCD.

Understanding Sickle Cell Trait: What You Need to Know

An estimated 2 million Americans have sickle cell trait (SCT), yet many don’t know it. Understanding sickle cell trait is crucial not just for your own health, but for family planning decisions. If two people with sickle cell trait have children together, their child could be born with sickle cell disease.

What Is Sickle Cell Trait?

Sickle cell trait means you have inherited one sickle cell gene from one parent and one normal gene from the other parent. While most people with SCT live normal lives without symptoms, some carriers with a high percentage of sickle cells can experience serious complications under certain conditions, including dehydration, cold temperatures, stress, low oxygen levels, infections, or surgeries.

Critical Information for Sickle Cell Trait Carriers

If you have sickle cell trait and have experienced pain episodes, hospitalizations, or complications—your experience is real and valid. Some SCT carriers do have problems, and you deserve proper medical care. Don’t let anyone dismiss your symptoms.

Warning Signs That Require Immediate Medical Attention

If you have sickle cell trait and experience any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately:

  • Severe, unexplained pain
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Blue-tinged nails or lips
  • Sudden weakness
  • Swollen hands and feet

Essential Tips for People with Sickle Cell Trait

  • Avoid high altitudes (can be life-threatening for trait carriers)
  • Avoid extreme temperatures
  • Stay well hydrated at all times
  • Know your sickle cell percentage
  • Tell ALL your doctors about your SCT
  • Get genetic counseling before pregnancy
  • Know the warning signs of complications

Urgent Need: Blood Donations Save Sickle Cell Lives

Blood transfusions are one of the most critical treatments for sickle cell patients, but less than 10% of Americans donate blood. Sickle cell patients benefit most from blood transfusions from people of the same race or similar ethnicity, yet only 5% of blood donors are of African ancestry. Help make a difference for SCD patients in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest by pledging to donate blood this month.

Read the Full October 2025 Newsletter

Sickle Cell Oregon Globe – October 2025

Click here to download the October 2025 newsletter.

About the Sickle Cell Oregon Globe

The Sickle Cell Oregon Globe is the monthly newsletter of the Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation of Oregon & PNW. We serve families affected by sickle cell disease throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska, and Hawaii with support groups, educational resources, awareness events, and community connection.

Contact Us:
Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation of Oregon & PNW
4566 N. East 87th Ave
Portland, OR 97220
Phone: 503-249-1366
Email: info@sicklecelloregon.org
Website: www.sicklecelloregon.org

Keywords: sickle cell trait Oregon, sickle cell myths, SCD misconceptions, blood donation Portland, sickle cell disease prevention, genetic counseling, sickle cell awareness Pacific Northwest, SCT complications, high altitude risks sickle cell

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Oct 1 2025
Bulletin: Assisted Housing And Advocacy Available For Portland Residents

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PORTLAND is excited to announce a new application round coming on Monday, October 6th to Friday, October 24th 2025 for the Magnolia Crossings community located in SE Portland.

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WESHINE has three villages: Parkrose, Avalon, and St Andrews. The Parkrose Community Village serves adults who identify as LGBTQIA2S+ (sexual and gender minorities), the Avalon Community Village serves adults who are women, transgender or otherwise, as well as femme-aligned nonbinary individuals, and the St Andrews Community Village serves adults who are 45 and older or adults of any age with physical disabilities. Applicants must meet the basic eligibility requirements of the village(s) for which they apply. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE GUEST APPLICATION FORM.

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WISE TRANSITIONS offers assistance and advocacy for Portland seniors. CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WAITLIST.
CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION.

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Sep 22 2025
The Sickle Cell Oregon Globe Newsletter 09-25

Sickle Cell Oregon Globe – September 2025 Newsletter

Welcome to the September 2025 edition of the Sickle Cell Oregon Globe! This month brings exciting news for the sickle cell community in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, including a major breakthrough in bone marrow transplant treatment, new pregnancy guidelines from the WHO, and important fall health tips.

In This Month’s Newsletter:

Major Breakthrough: New Bone Marrow Treatment Shows 97% Success Rate

Medical centers across the country, including Johns Hopkins and Vanderbilt, have achieved remarkable success with a new bone marrow transplant approach for sickle cell disease. This innovative treatment uses “half-matched” donors such as parents, siblings, or children, making it accessible to virtually everyone. With over 97% success rate in adult patients and costs significantly lower than gene therapy, this breakthrough offers new hope for sickle cell treatment options.

WHO Releases New Pregnancy Guidelines for Sickle Cell Disease

The World Health Organization has published important new guidelines to help pregnant women with sickle cell disease have safer pregnancies. These guidelines emphasize the need for specialized prenatal care, including extra folic acid and iron supplements, more frequent check-ups, and careful pain management planning. Women with SCD thinking about pregnancy are encouraged to consult with their healthcare providers early.

Upcoming Events & Support

  • Sickle Cell Live! Awareness Dinner – Thursday, September 25, 2025, 6-8:30 PM at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Portland
  • Monthly Support Group Meeting – Thursday, October 17, 2025, 7:00-8:00 PM (Online via Zoom). Join fellow sickle cell warriors to learn, share stories, and receive support. Register at https://tinyurl.com/scdgroup

Staying Healthy This Fall Season

As temperatures drop in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, people with sickle cell disease need to take extra precautions. This newsletter includes essential tips for managing your health during cooler weather, including staying warm to prevent pain crises, getting your flu shot, maintaining hydration, and keeping up with medications like hydroxyurea.

Quick Pain Management Tips

Learn practical strategies for managing sickle cell pain at home, including heat therapy, gentle exercise, hydration, and breathing techniques. The newsletter also provides guidance on when to contact your doctor if pain worsens.

Important Drug Safety Update

Critical information about Oxbryta (voxelotor) and its removal from the market by Pfizer in September 2024. If you were taking this medication, please consult with your healthcare provider about alternative treatment options.

Read the Full September 2025 Newsletter

Sickle Cell Oregon Globe – September 2025

About the Sickle Cell Oregon Globe

The Sickle Cell Oregon Globe is the monthly newsletter of the Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation of Oregon & PNW. We serve families affected by sickle cell disease throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska, and Hawaii with support groups, educational resources, awareness events, and community connection.

Contact Us:
Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation of Oregon & PNW
4566 N. East 87th Ave
Portland, OR 97220
Phone: 503-249-1366
Email: info@sicklecelloregon.org
Website: www.sicklecelloregon.org

Keywords: sickle cell disease Oregon, SCD treatment breakthrough, bone marrow transplant, sickle cell pregnancy, patient support Pacific Northwest, sickle cell awareness Portland, SCD pain management, hydroxyurea treatment

Click here to download the PDF.

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Aug 20 2025
Walmart Frozen Shrimp Recall: FDA Issues Warning Over Potential Radioactive Contamination

Federal health officials have ordered the recall of certain frozen shrimp products sold at Walmart stores across 13 states due to potential contamination with Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope.

What Products Are Affected

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to eat, sell, or serve specific lots of Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp that may contain Cesium-137 contamination. The affected products include:

  • Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp
  • Lot codes: 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1
  • Best by date: March 15, 2027
  • Package size: 2-pound bags
  • States affected: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia

How the Contamination Was Discovered

U.S. Customs and Border Protection first detected Cesium-137 in shipping containers at four major ports: Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Savannah, Georgia. The contaminated products originated from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (operating as BMS Foods), an Indonesian seafood processing company.

FDA testing subsequently confirmed the presence of Cesium-137 in one sample of frozen breaded shrimp from the same supplier. While no products that tested positive for the radioactive isotope have entered U.S. commerce, the FDA recommended the recall as a precautionary measure for products imported after the initial detection.

Health Risks and Safety Information

The contamination levels detected—approximately 68 becquerels per kilogram—fall well below the FDA’s intervention threshold of 1,200 becquerels per kilogram. According to food safety expert Donald Schaffner from Rutgers University, the immediate risk from the recalled shrimp is “quite low.”

However, health officials warn that repeated exposure to even low levels of Cesium-137 over time could pose health concerns. The primary risk is an elevated cancer risk due to DNA damage within living cells. The CDC notes that external exposure to large amounts of Cesium-137 can cause burns, acute radiation sickness, and even death, though such extreme exposures are rare.

Understanding Cesium-137

Cesium-137 is a man-made radioactive isotope produced through nuclear fission. It’s commonly used in medical radiation therapy devices and industrial gauges. The substance is a byproduct of nuclear reactions, including nuclear weapons testing, reactor operations, and accidents.

Due to widespread nuclear testing in the mid-20th century, trace amounts of Cesium-137 are found throughout the global environment in soil, food, and air. The isotope has a half-life of approximately 30 years and bonds easily with chlorides, behaving chemically similar to table salt.

Consumer Advisory and Actions

Immediate actions for consumers:

  • Discard the product immediately if you have purchased any of the affected shrimp lots
  • Do not eat or serve the product under any circumstances
  • Return to any Walmart store for a full refund, regardless of receipt

If you suspect exposure:

  • Contact your healthcare provider if you believe you may have consumed the contaminated shrimp
  • While acute health effects are unlikely given the low contamination levels, medical consultation is recommended for peace of mind

Walmart’s Response

Walmart has confirmed the immediate recall of all affected products from impacted stores. Company spokesperson Kelly Hellbusch stated, “The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority. We have issued a sales restriction and removed this product from our impacted stores. We are working with the supplier to investigate.”

The retailer is offering full refunds to customers who purchased the affected products, with no receipt required.

Regulatory Action

The FDA has placed PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati on a “red list” import alert, effectively banning all products from the company until it resolves the contamination issues. The agency is continuing its investigation into the root cause of the contamination and working with Indonesian authorities to prevent future incidents.

This recall underscores the importance of robust food safety monitoring systems and international cooperation in protecting consumers from contaminated imports. The swift detection and response demonstrate the effectiveness of current screening procedures at U.S. ports of entry.

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