Business Details
26 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Cayenne Wellness Center: Sickle Cell Disease Advocacy & Care
Cayenne Wellness Center has dedicated over two decades to improving the lives of individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) in California. Founded in 2000, our mission centers on delivering expert, unbiased, and comprehensive care while advocating for a responsive medical system and empowering patients to self-advocate. Our team of Compassionate Community Health Workers (CHWs) has built trust through reliability and tailored support, facilitating access to specialist referrals, emergency care navigation, and critical resources. We pioneered programs like the 24/7 SCD Hotline, mental wellness services, and the Transition Program for young adults, reflecting our commitment to addressing SCD's complex challenges.With HRSA grant funding and partnerships like the SCDAA Get Connected registry, we combine education, advocacy, and care coordination to reduce disparities and enhance outcomes. Our work extends to newborn screening follow-up, client assistance, and community engagement initiatives, ensuring holistic support across California's diverse SCD community.
Services
Counseling Services
Health Coaching
Newborn Screening
Client Assistance
Transition Program
Mental Wellness
Care Coordination
Emergency Navigation
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of specialized experience in sickle cell disease support
- 24/7 SCD-specific hotline for urgent guidance and resources
- Free mental wellness services including counseling and health coaching
- Client Assistance Program reduces financial burdens of SCD management
- Transition Program prepares young adults for adult healthcare systems
Services
24/7 Support Hotline
Our 24/7 SCD Hotline (1-888-344-1356) provides critical guidance for managing sickle cell crises, accessing emergency care, and navigating healthcare systems. Available 24/7, this service connects patients and families with trained professionals for immediate support during medical emergencies, treatment questions, or psychosocial challenges. The hotline specifically addresses urgent needs related to blood transfusions, infusion therapies, and COVID-19 precautions for high-risk SCD patients.
Mental Wellness Program
This HRSA-funded program offers free mental health services including counseling, health coaching, and naturopathic consultations for California SCD patients. Services address isolation, depression, and anxiety while promoting nutrition and active lifestyles through personalized coaching. Licensed professionals deliver trauma-informed care via telehealth, focusing on sustainable self-care routines and stress management techniques tailored to SCD patients' unique challenges.
Newborn Screening Follow-Up
Our HRSA-funded program provides comprehensive follow-up for newborns diagnosed with sickle cell disease across California. Services include medical assessments, family education, care coordination, and advocacy to ensure early intervention. Community Health Workers partner with hospitals and clinics to locate patients, connect families with specialists, and implement best practices for managing SCD from infancy through adulthood.
Client Assistance Program
This program alleviates financial burdens associated with SCD management through care coordination and economic support services. Patients receive assistance navigating insurance complexities, accessing treatment resources, and managing employment challenges caused by frequent hospitalizations. Regional CHWs help complete applications for financial aid and connect families with community resources to reduce socioeconomic barriers to care.
Transition Program
Designed for ages 16-22, this six-month program prepares young adults for adult healthcare systems through bi-weekly education sessions and mentorship. Participants learn disease management, prescription navigation, and advocacy skills while completing internships to practice transition planning. The program includes mental health support and collaboration between pediatric and adult care providers to ensure continuity of care during this critical life stage.
People
Mary Olodun
Program Manager
Dr. Mary Olodun oversees program development and implementation at Cayenne Wellness Center. With extensive experience in naturopathic medicine and community health, she leads initiatives that combine holistic approaches with evidence-based practices to improve SCD patient outcomes.
Shanti Johnson-Harris
Community Health Worker - Central CA
Shanti Johnson-Harris serves as Central California's regional CHW, connecting patients with resources and coordinating care. With over a decade of experience in community health outreach, she specializes in navigating healthcare systems and providing culturally competent support to SCD families in the Central Valley.
Star Simmons
Community Health Worker - Orange County
Star Simmons supports Orange County SCD patients as a dedicated CHW. Her work focuses on newborn screening follow-up and connecting families with local resources. With a background in patient advocacy, she helps navigate healthcare challenges while promoting community engagement through educational initiatives.
Trinesha White
Community Health Worker - Inland Empire
Trinesha White provides Inland Empire residents with personalized support as their regional CHW. She specializes in care coordination and patient education, working closely with families to overcome barriers to treatment access while maintaining strong connections with local healthcare providers.
Georgeanna Oxford
Community Health Worker - Los Angeles & AV
Georgeanna Oxford serves Los Angeles and Antelope Valley communities as a dedicated CHW. With expertise in newborn screening programs, she connects families with essential resources while advocating for improved healthcare access through community partnerships and educational outreach.
Questions
What services does Cayenne Wellness Center offer for SCD patients?
We provide 24/7 hotlines, mental wellness programs, transition support, newborn screening follow-up, client assistance, and care coordination for California residents with sickle cell disease.
How can I access free mental health services?
California residents diagnosed with SCD can contact regional CHWs for referrals to free counseling, health coaching, and holistic consultations through our HRSA-funded initiative.
Does the center offer emergency support for SCD crises?
Yes, our 24/7 SCD Hotline (1-888-344-1356) provides urgent guidance on managing crises, accessing care, and navigating emergency room visits.
What programs help young adults transition to adult care?
Our six-month Transition Program includes bi-weekly education sessions, mentorship, and internship experiences to prepare ages 16-22 for adult healthcare systems.
How do I register for the Get Connected SCD registry?
Call 818-940-0079 or visit www.GetConnectedSCD.org to register for this free national patient registry and access medical history resources.
