Patient Support Programs
Sickle Cell Foundation of MN (aka SickleCellMN) is a grassroots community-based patient advocacy organization.
Patient Assistance
Our ‘Strive to Thrive’ Philosophy
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, quality of life (QoL) is a measurement of the standard of health, comfort, and happiness experienced by an individual or group. At Sickle Cell Foundation of MN, we recognize that meeting our “basic” needs is part of our survival and “thriving” moves us beyond basic needs and allows us to improve our overall lived experiences as well as our quality of life, which ultimately leads to improved health outcomes. When we don’t strive to thrive, we only survive; and “survival” is simply not good enough!
Through our holistic approach to improving quality of life, SickleCellMN provides many opportunities for education and community engagement. We also offer one-on-one and group support as well as limited financial assistance with some household and medical-related expenses.
Patient Assistance Overview
Sickle Cell Foundation of MN provides intermittent access to our financial assistance programs as a means to assist families by supplementing the needs of individuals living with or caring for a child with sickle cell disease in the state of Minnesota. If you are not a resident of MN, we encourage you to reach out to one of the local sickle cell community-based organizations in your city or state.
Please note that the Patient Financial Assistance Program (PFA) is meant to supplement the needs of your household and may not prevent eviction, foreclosure or disconnection of critical services.
If you are in an emergency situation or are at-risk of immediate eviction or service disconnection, please contact 211UnitedWay to discuss other emergency assistance options.
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SCD Education Support
Education is one of our key pillars and our goal is to assist with challenges in accessing educational resources and opportunities. Contact us to learn more or request assistance:
- General education planning (IHP, IEP & 504 Plans)
- Backpacks & School supplies
- Nurse/Administrator Education
- School Meals
- Post-secondary Assistance (micro-grants)
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SCD Resource Care Packages
Ensure you have resources to assist on your journey ahead. Contact us to receive:
- New/late Diagnosis Care Package (ages 0-8)
- Young Adult Transition Care Package (ages 18-22)
- College/Post-secondary Care Package (18+)
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Warrior Wings Burial Assistance
The loss of a loved one with sickle cell disease is never easy! Sickle Cell Foundation of MN recognizes your loss and is available to provide grief & loss resources as well as small burial assistance grants. If you’ve recently lost your child, spouse or partner we invite you to contact us for community support.
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Treatment Assistance
Our ‘TAP into Care’ Program assists patients who are without or in between insurance coverage, purchase penicillin and various other disease modifying medications that support their medical care plan.
We also provide co-pay assistance for costs associated with mental health visits, physical therapy, chiropractic services, and other select non-medicinal therapies and services that provide holistic disease management support.
NOTE: We apologize, however, we are unable to assist with costs associated with pain medications.
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Transportation Assistance
Getting to your scheduled appointments is a critical part of improving health outcomes and overall quality of life.
If transportation is a major barrier, we may be able to help connect you with medical transportation, parking passes or other alternative resources that help ensure you can get to where you need to be when you need to be there.
NOTE: Transportation assistance through the Foundation is for non-emergency, pre-scheduled appointments and requires sufficient notice.
Assistance may be delayed if your request is not received in a timely manner
Metro Mobility
Metro Mobility is a shared ride public transportation service for certified riders who are unable to use regular fixed-route buses due to a disability or health condition. Trips are provided for any purpose.
Eligibility & Certification information can be found at metrocouncil.org/Transportation/Services/Metro-Mobility-Home/Eligibility-Certifications.aspx
For more information, visit the Metro Mobility website at www.metrocouncil.org/Transportation/Services/Metro-Mobility-Home.aspx
Disability Parking Certficate
Apply for a Disability Parking Certificate
You must complete an application form to receive a disability parking certificate.
Fill out the PDF application: Application for Disability Parking Certificate (PDF)
Apply for a certificate through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website.
Under Driver Services, select Request or Renew Disability Parking Certificate.
If you have questions about the process, call 651-297-3377.
For more information, visit the state of Minnesota Disability Parking Page:
www.disability.state.mn.us/technical-assistance/disability-parking/
Other Travel Expenses Programs for Minnesota
10 Travel Expense Programs for Minnesota
Apply for Assistance
Our patient support & assistance programs for persons living with or caring for a child (<18) with sickle cell disease are only a few clicks away.
Step 1
Review our program and eligibility
Step 2
Complete our Patient/Family Form
Step 3
Someone from our CHAT Team will contact you in 3-5 business days.
More Community Resources
DHS Resources
Health Care Coverage
Child care
Coping with Crisis
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