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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Community-Based Services and Support (CBSS) Program

    Program Description

    The Department of Health, Bureau of Family Health funds two community-based organizations to provide services and supports for the sickle cell community and individuals with SCD through grant agreements:  CareStar, Inc. and the Children's Sickle Cell Foundation. 

    The CBSS Program is designed to: 

    • Increase communication between individuals with SCD and care systems that support them; 
    • Develop public health infrastructure allowing care systems to function as a united team improving health outcomes for the SCD community; 
    • Provide equitable access to services; 
    • Support client integration into the community, and;  
    • Educate the community on the needs of those with SCD. 

    The grantees partner with care systems (including physical, mental, and specialized health care providers), insurers and communities to act together with individuals with SCD to bring the full support of the families and community to improve care, identify and remediate disparities, alleviate barriers to care, and ultimately improve the health outcomes and quality of life for those living with SCD. 

    Goal

    The CBSS Program works to assure individualsdiagnosed with sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait can adhere to their care plan, be active within their communities, and live their best life.  The program also supports system-wide communication and change to increase access to equitable care for the sickle cell community.  

    Why is the CBSS Program Important in the Sickle Cell Community?

    In state fiscal year 2019-2020, an estimated 3,870 Pennsylvanians were reported living with sickle cell disease. Individuals living with sickle cell disease face everyday challenges such as: food insecurity, access to medication, transportation difficulties, and ability to pay rent/mortgage and utilities.  The CBSS provides assistance to the individual and their family to alleviate these barriers.   

     The CBSS Program also helps individuals living with sickle cell disease with such things as: 

    • Care planning; 
    • Coordinating with various care systems and providers; 
    • Transition and planning for all stages of life; 
    • Educational and employment support; 
    • Developing and connecting to peer and community supports; and, 
    • Family and social support engagement. 

    Service Areas 

    Below is a map of Pennsylvania which demonstrates the assigned regions supported by each CBSS Grantee.  The counties indicated in red are served by CareStar, Inc., and the counties indicated in blue are served by the Children's Sickle Cell Foundation. 

    assigned regions supported by each CBSS Grantee. The counties indicated in red are served by CareStar, Inc., and the counties indicated in blue are served by the Children's Sickle Cell Foundation.

    Contact Information

    For more information, please contact the Bureau of Family Health, Division of Community Systems Development and Outreach at 717-772-2763.

    To learn more about each specific CBSS, please contact:
    Carestar, Inc.
    866-834-4712
    www.carestar.com
                                            
    Children's Sickle Cell Foundation
    412-488-2723
    www.cscfkids.org