In September 2024, the RBCD Hub’s Vanessa Ferguson and Sinthu Srikanthan were invited to speak at the Canadian Hemoglobinopathy Association’s (CanHaem) annual conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia about the intersections of racism and disability with sickle cell disease (SCD) and thalassemia.

Six steps to find a family doctor or nurse practitioner for your primary care in Ontario

Some people with Sickle Cell Disease may be at increased risk of experiencing stroke – which is when blood flow to the brain is blocked or there is bleeding in the brain. Stroke is life-threatening and scary. While stroke can result in many changes to one’s life, people can lead new and meaningful lives after stroke. This article describes the journey of one person with sickle cell disease who experienced stroke.

“You will hit puberty later than expected due to your Sickle Cell” – the conversation usually stops there. As children, many of us were not given much information on the signs or possible symptoms to look out for to indicate that the menstrual cycle has begun.

We all need an umbrella for rainy days. The “Umbrella for Rainy Days” series describes income support (financial assistance) programs. This article explores the Trillium Drug Program, with a special focus on people with Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, and other Red Blood Cell Disorders.

To honour Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the RBCD Hub partnered with UHN Patient Education and Engagement to deliver a Health Talk on Sickle Cell Disease.

We all need an umbrella for rainy days. The “Umbrella for Rainy Days” series describes income support (financial assistance) programs. This article explores Employment Insurance (EI) Sickness Benefits, with a special focus on people with Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, and other Red Blood Cell Disorders (RBCDs)

We all need an umbrella for rainy days. The “Umbrella for Rainy Days” series describes income support (financial assistance) programs. This article explores applying for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), with a special focus on people with Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, and other Red Blood Cell Disorders (RBCDs) .

We all need an umbrella for rainy days. The “Umbrella for Rainy Days” series describes income support (financial assistance) programs. This article explores Ontario Disability Support Program and how it can be helpful for people with Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, and other Red Blood Cell Disorders (RBCDs) in Ontario.

From supporting your mental health to dealing with grade appeals and discrimination, public colleges and universities in Ontario have a range of services that can help you achieve success and wellbeing. This article summarizes supports at college and university that may be helpful for students with Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, and other Red Blood Cell Disorders.

Going to college or university abroad is an exciting opportunity for new learning experiences for International Students. This article provides six tips for success for International Students with Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, and other Red Blood Cell Disorders in Ontario.

This article explores bursaries and grants available through the Governments of Ontario and Canada for people with Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, and other Red Blood Cell Disorders. These are supports available at time of publication. Please be aware that they can change at any time. You may qualify for additional grants, bursaries, and scholarships.

September is the time of year that many college and university students return to school. This can be a stressful time for people living with a chronic medical condition or disability. Students with Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, and other red blood cell disorders can connect with their school’s Accessibility Office to explore support options.

The RBCD Hub is excited to partner with UHN’s Patient Education and Engagement to deliver a Health Talk on Sickle Cell Disease!

On June 15, 2023, UHN’s RBCD clinic hosted the fourth session of the Wholistic Health Series with Mindfulness Advocate, Reena Ruparelia. This session explored how to mindfulness meditation practices and its benefits for people with Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, and other Red Blood Cell Disorders.

Living with sickle cell disease should not stop you from travelling. It’s important to know the risks of air travel and the steps you can take to keep yourself healthy and safe while travelling by airplane!

These guidelines apply to adults only. Speak to your healthcare provider for medical advice on your situation.

June 19th is Sickle Cell Awareness Day – a day dedicated to increase knowledge and awareness of Sickle Cell Disease as well as to provide support for impacted people.

On June 1, 2023, UHN’s RBCD clinic hosted the third session of the Wholistic Health Series with Certified Health Coach, Aisha Saintiche. This session explored how to take ownership of mental health and wellness, including five steps to take to support mental wellness as well as creating a personal mission to guide our lives.

While Sickle Cell Disease is primarily known as a physical condition, it can have a significant toll on a person's mental well-being. Studies have revealed that Sickle Cell Disease can trigger a range of mental symptoms such as anxiety, depression, poor nutrition, and stress. The chronic nature of the illness and the recurring episodes of pain and physical limitations can be stressful.

On May 18, 2023, UHN’s RBCD clinic hosted the second session of the Wholistic Health Series with Certified Health Coach, Aisha Saintiche. This session explored Intersectionality and Mental Health, including how Anti-Black Racism, Racism, Ableism, and health-related stigma impacts mental health and wellbeing for people with Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, and other Red Blood Cell Disorders.