Knowing one’s sickle cell status is pivotal to any decisions a person makes and their outcomes - especially the quality of life of the children they would bring into the world. Forewarned is forearmed, and by knowing their status, individuals determine much of what they, and their families, will experience in life.

Just as important as individuals knowing their own sickle cell status (preferably before having children) is knowing the status of their child. If a child unfortunately has the disease, then all stakeholders - parents, health care providers, community support workers, teachers, employers, and the community at large, must do everything in our power to give the child the a chance at the best quality of life possible. This will entail putting in place all the services and support the child will need to treat and manage their condition for the rest of their lives.

It must be understood that the kind of counseling we offer is not clinical counseling. We counsel members of vulnerable groups at risk of having children with sickle cell disease on the toll it takes on their time, finances, emotions, and social life. We encourage couples who want to have children to consider other parenting options like adoption.

Knowledge of sickle cell disease (SCD) is woefully lacking across the board - even among vulnerable populations. ESCAPE will utilize all possible means to increase public awareness SCD and its impact on society. This effort will include presentations in schools, places of worship (churches, mosques, temples), and other venues. ESCAPE will share this message through podcasts, media interviews, YouTube videos, podcasts, literature among other ways.