Patient Empowerment Programs
A descriptive paragraph that tells clients how good you are and proves that you are the best choice that they’ve made.
Patient empowerment is “a process through which people gain greater control over decisions and actions affecting their health.”
- World Health Organization (WHO)
Using Your Voice to Encourage Yourself & Others
Improving quality of life involves more than routine doctor’s visits, hospitalizations, or prescription refills. When confronted by illness, many individuals and caregivers seek professional help and advice from their doctors, however, affected individuals and communities also rely on support from family members, peers, other persons living with sickle cell disease and the community-based organization.
Support & Empowerment groups provide a safe space
Having a “safe” space to discuss the challenges and the triumphs of living with sickle cell disease is critical to combating depression, anxiety, and isolation.
SickleCellMN strives to create support groups, networks and activities that foster community, encouragement, and shared learning opportunities between individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease.
- Meet others in the sickle cell community
- Discuss the challenges related to living with sickle cell disease
- Share your encouraging victories and life lessons with others
- Gain valuable insight and resources that can help improve your quality of life
Ask Dr. Nelson: A Monthly Townhall for the SCD Community
Monthly townhalls are designed to be a safe space to openly ask questions and discuss health, healthcare, and the many things that matter to the sickle cell community.
Monthly discussion topics are chosen by attendees and can be submitted in advance at ask.dr.nelson@sicklecellmn.org.
Self empowerment is “An individual’s ability to effectively communicate, convey, negotiate or assert his or her own interests, desires, needs and rights...”
- UC Santa Cruz Disability Center
Our Voices Matter!
Sickle Cell Foundation of MN is committed to speaking truth to power and we need your help to elevate YOUR experiences, both good and bad. SickleCellMN works very hard to build relationships within healthcare and educational systems, and with the medical providers, educators, and leaders within those spaces.
It is important that whenever we have the opportunity to talk about the lived experiences of persons living with sickle disease, that we have real life examples of what is actually happening throughout the sickle cell community!
Samm Smeltzer
In all honesty, Webtec is the best agency we've ever worked with.
Nothing changes until we make our experiences known and our voices heard!
We are well aware that this is not always the case and that we must, as individuals and as a community, demand accountability and improved care for each and every warrior!
We also recognize that every interaction is not a negative interaction and that there are many incredible individuals working within the healthcare system who should be recognized for their expertise, empathy and compassion toward our unique individual and community needs.
Smiles guaranteed
World class service
We have developed a reporting system to track the feedback
Tracking the feedback we receive from our sickle cell community, but we need you to use your voice! Help us track and report your healthcare experiences by completing the experience form.
Why share positive experiences?
All feedback is important and by sharing your positive experiences we can:
• Provide this feedback to schools, teachers, hospitals and providers who are making improvements
• Provide recommendations and feedback to others who are looking for knowledgeable and compassionate care in Minnesota
Why share negative experiences?
Sharing you or your loved one’s negative experience(s) allows us to better advocate for the sickle cell community by providing accurate accounts of personal LIVED experiences of persons living right here in Minnesota!
• Sharing your negative experiences with us allows the community to have a safe space to report your experiences without worrying about how it may or may not negatively impact you or your child’s care.
How do we use the information provided?
Community advocacy & storytelling
2. Internal tracking & reporting
3. Identifying sickle cell champions within healthcare settings
4. Institutional accountability (filing formal complaints)
5. Legislative efforts