Training For Providers
The Sickle Cell Disease Foundation is a State-Approved Sickle Cell Counseling Program
Healthcare provider education is offered in a variety of ways, including one-on-one meetings, group presentations, and virtual sessions.
PSCRC Project ECHO
Lunch & Learn Educational Sessions
PSCRC Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is a telementoring series designed for clinical providers to bridge the gap between a network of local providers and pediatric and adult SCD specialists. The Project ECHO model increases access to specialist-level knowledge for treatment in underserved areas by providing front-line clinicians with the knowledge and support they need to manage patients with complex conditions. Project EHCO calls occur monthly for a one-hour video conference that includes case presentation, didactic, and review.
Sickle Cell Disease specialists, including physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals, offer peer-to-peer sessions through Lunch and Learn SCD Educational Sessions.
California Sickle Cell Counselor Training & Certification Program
The goal of this statewide program is to ensure accurate sickle cell education and counseling, including:
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To provide the most current information on sickle cell disease and trait to affected individuals, their families, professional caregivers, health educators, and community members
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To provide training and resources for those who would like to educate others in the community about sickle cell trait and disease
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To train and certify sickle cell educators and counselors
The training program consists of an introductory course (Module I), an advanced course (Module II A), Educator Training, an advanced Counselor Course (Module II B), a counseling internship (Module III), and continuing education workshops and/or seminars (Module IV).
Content of Module I – Introductory Overview Course
6-hour self-paced eLearning course with one 1-hour live virtual cohort session.
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An overview of patterns of inheritance
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An overview of basic hemoglobin functions
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An overview of sickle cell disease, sickle cell trait, and common hemoglobinopathies
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California Newborn Screening Program
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Follow-up care and treatment for sickle cell disease
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Overview of research
Upcoming Training
Sessions
- March 2026 - Module 1 - Sickle Cell Counselor Training & Certification ProgramModule 1 is an Introductory CourseOnline Training
- April 2026 - Module 1 - Sickle Cell Counselor Training & Certification ProgramModule 1 is an Introductory CourseOnline Training
- February 2026 - Module 1 - Sickle Cell Counselor Training & Certification ProgramModule 1 is an Introductory CourseOnline Training
