Sickle Cell Disease Association of America will offer sickle cell disease community health worker training from April 12 to June 21. The training consists of virtual lectures, field experience, online in-class assignments, homework and a final exam and will cover the core competencies of community health workers with additional concentration in sickle cell disease.

Community health workers conduct outreach for medical personnel or health care organizations to implement programs in the community that promote, maintain and improve individual and community health. In addition, they encourage individuals to adopt healthy behaviors by increasing their health knowledge and self-sufficiency.

The training will cover primary health care and human services, communication, patient advocacy, community health education, capacity building, service skills and responsibilities, data collection and reporting, patient-centered medical home concepts and sickle cell disease.

Laypersons without backgrounds in health care are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is April 5. The training costs $1,060 with a limited number of scholarships available. To learn more and apply, visit SickleCellDisease.org.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disease causing red blood cells to take a sickle shape, which leads to blockages that prevent blood from reaching parts of the body. As a result, people with sickle cell complications can experience anemia, jaundice, gallstones, stroke, chronic pain, organ damage and premature death. No universal cure exists. (sicklecelldisease.net)

Sickle Cell Disease Association of America advocates for people affected by sickle cell conditions and empowers community-based organizations to maximize quality of life and raise public consciousness while advancing the search for a universal cure. The association and more than 50 member organizations support sickle cell research, public and professional health education and patient and community services. (www.sicklecelldisease.org)