The Bahamas Sickle Cell Association (BSCA) is a non-profit organization located in The Commonwealth of the Bahamas, with a license to operate under section 59 of the Companies Act given on April 21st, 1981 under the seal of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Sir. Arthur D. Hanna. The organization received its charter on July 6th, 1981 along with the Articles and Memorandum of Association. Dr. Patrick Roberts and a group of civic-minded individuals some of whom were personally affected by the disease were instrumental in its formation.

To his credit, he noticed that there was a lack of education in society as a whole, additionally, in his own practice and in the public hospital there was an alarming rate of babies being born with the disease. BSCA was formed to increase public education and awareness of sickle cell disease in the Bahamas and to lessen the effects of its impact on those with the disease.

Whilst the Association was active, Dr. Roberts and his team were able to partner with hematologists and clinics in the United States and Nigeria. In fact, he has recorded that as late as 1973 there was no testing or diagnosis made for the disease. However, he was able to secure the assistance of the American Sickle Cell Association (of which he was the only non-American board member) to properly set up a clinic at the Princess Margaret Hospital under the auspices of a noted hematologist. By 1979, the BSCA was holding clinics and secured the services of a noted psychiatrist, psychologist, social workers, and volunteers to assist with the testing and treatment of sickle cell in the Bahamas.

It was during this year that Dr. Roberts presented to the University of the West Indies on behalf of BSCA at the International Year of the Child Conference that the Bahamas had started the journey of education and treatment of the disease, which was a milestone in the life of BSCA.

By the 1990s due to the fact that most persons were regularly being tested and a general lack of continued interest and support for the goals of the association, the activities of BSCA were discontinued.

Welcome to The Bahamas Sickle Cell Association’s website.  Our goal is to provide you with current information on the work and activities of the BSCA and Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) education and research.  The Bahamas is far behind the rest of the region with regard to sickle cell awareness and regulatory framework for the disease.

Last year, under the renewed interest of myself and several others personally affected by Sickle Cell Disease, the BSCA has been revitalized and is now recharged with a committed membership. It is important to note that the charter of 1981 is still very relevant for today. We are overjoyed by the success of the events we held last year and are excited about those that we have planned for 2016.

Our efforts to increase education and awareness on the management and effects of Sickle Cell Disease are always a top priority on our list.  It is important for us to engage with individuals with SCD and their families to share ideas, increase knowledge and strengthen collaboration.

It was my pleasure to have served as the President of the Bahamas Sickle Cell Association for 2015/2016.  I look forward to working closely with its new board as we endeavor to continue to work towards achieving optimal standards of care for all persons affected by Sickle Cell.

Collaborations with the hospital, government, health care providers and pharmaceutical companies are essential to improving patient care. With dedication and commitment from of our volunteers and board members and the generous donations of our supporters our goals can be achieved. It is from the patients, parents, and their families and friends that we draw our strength, and they all remain at the core of the Association.

-Dr. Nisha Armbrister