Agency History
The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter SCDAA/PDVC, formerly known as The Sickle Cell Genetic Disease Council of Southeastern Pennsylvania, began as an adult patient therapy group, comprised of thirty members that met monthly at Pennsylvania Hospital from 1977-1982. The purpose of the group at that time was to share their concerns, offer support and plan various activities. However in 1982, Pennsylvania Hospital lost their federal funding for the Sickle Cell Program, leaving sickle cell patients without any support. As a result, the patient group was encouraged by the hospital social worker to consider establishing their own agency with a focus on providing psychosocial and social services. This was an important issue for the patients because the hospital focused primarily on addressing their medical needs.
So on July 2, 1982, the Sickle Cell Genetic Disease Council of Southeastern Pennsylvania became incorporated as a 501C (3) non-profit advocacy agency. The two co-founders were Rev. Walter E. Brandon and Willie J. Hubert. The agency was established to provide comprehensive psychosocial services to children, adolescents and adults who were affected by sickle cell disease (SCD) and sickle cell trait (SCT). Over the years, they collaborated with local pediatric and adult hospitals to establish various programs to meet the needs of individuals in the sickle cell community
In 1995, the agency became a chapter member of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, and officially changed its name to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter. Willie J. Hubert, co-founder of the agency, passed away in 1996 after giving great service, love and compassion to individuals with SCD. On April 2, 1998, Rev. Brandon the other co-founder also passed away due to complications of sickle cell disease. Because of Rev. Brandon’s life long mission and commitment to advocacy in the sickle cell community, the Board of Directors named the agency’s first annual walk-a-thon in his memory.
SCDAA/PDVC has enjoyed a long history with Rev. Walter E. Brandon serving as the first Executive Director and Board President. Since 1998, Stanley A. Simpkins, BA, has served and continues to serve as the Executive Director, overseeing a staff of 6 individuals who serve approximately 1,100 clients throughout the Philadelphia/ Delaware Valley region. As an agency, SCDAA/PDVC has served the sickle cell community since 1982 years by providing resources and assistance to children, adolescents, adults and families affected by SCD/SCT in Philadelphia, Bucks, Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties. The mission of the agency is to serve as a vehicle and resource center providing psychosocial and social services to meet the needs of these individuals.
SCDAA/PDVC provides the following services: case management; counseling; hospital/clinic/home visits; advocacy; career/vocational assistance; newborn screening follow-up; transportation; outreach/community and education and support groups.
