Initiatives
The mission of MHEA is to provide hope for those suffering from sickle cell disease and all diseases of the pancreas through advocating for improved therapies, and providing continuous support and education for patients, caregivers, and health care professionals.
To accomplish this mission, we engage in numerous initiatives:
Advocacy & Lobbying
MHEA is working to establish productive partnerships with the National Pancreas Foundation and their Black/African American Initiative (AAI), the American Diabetes Association, and the Digestive Disease National Coalition (DDNC). While much progress can be made at the grassroots level here in our local communities, we know that partnering will help us bring local perspectives into the national conversation.
Hospital Liaison Assistance
Many families struggle when their children are admitted or when they are admitted. Bills go unpaid, educational needs are neglected, and they also may need assistance with parking fees and basic needs when visiting family members. Parents often need assistance with talking to doctors and doing check-ins with family of healthcare providers in Primary care, Hematology, Emergency Room medicine and Hospitalist care.
We've heard from our community that patients are even turned away in crisis and uncontrolled pain because providers are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with managing pain in an acute setting.
Swag Bags (coming soon)
Hospitalization takes a toll on both the patient and family members. MHEA provides comfort kits called "Swag Bags" to families experiencing acute care. Bags contain helpful resources such as parking passes and gift cards to cover toiletries and other essential needs during the hospital stay.