Rising Stars: Meet La’Shardae Scott

Today we’d like to introduce you to La’Shardae Scott.  

Hi La’Shardae, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a mother of three amazing boys; Being a mother of two children living with sickle cell disease, I knew that advocacy was needed in my community. When my first child was diagnosed with sickle cell in 2015, I reached out to local Ohio organizations to seek information. Unfortunately, there was a lack of education and resources available.

I’m a Detroit native so I reached out to the local sickle cell clinic and worked with a doctor who educated me on the disease. At that moment I became a passionate advocate for those affected with sickle cell disease.

I previously worked as a Parent/Patient–Certified Community Health Worker for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Michigan Chapter in Detroit, Michigan under Dr. Wanda Whitten-Shurney. During my work experience with Dr. Shurney, I authored a children’s book entitled “What Dr. Shurney Taught Me”, written through the eyes of my three-year-old son to help educate and encourage children, siblings, and their caregivers.

Today, I am the Project Director and Newborn Screening Coordinator for Region III Neighborhood Health Association, Sickle Cell Project of Northwest Ohio. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University in Social Work and Communications and my master’s in Mental Health and Chemical Dependency and Graduate Certificates in Non-Profit Management, and Grant Writing. I am currently enrolled at the University of Kentucky Doctorate of Social Work program with a focus on Administration and Leadership.

I provide hemoglobinopathy counseling, education outreach services, and school interventions for 11 counties of Northwest Ohio. I currently serve on multiple boards addressing health disparities; Getting to 1 Collation, NAACP, Chair of Brightside Academy Policy Council, Head Start Health Service Advisory Committee, Toledo- Lucas Minority Health Advisory, and Mental Health Recovery Board of Lucas County Diversity and Health Equity- Inclusion Advisory Council and I am a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Zeta Xi Zeta Toledo, Ohio Chapter.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey hasn’t been a smooth road, there are lots of barriers and stigmas associated with sickle cell disease and its community. There has been a lack of trust within the sickle cell community for quite some time pertaining to doctor-patient communication and the transitioning from pediatric to adult care services.  As a social worker I tend to use self-disclosure with my clients; I share my journey of having children living with sickle cell to gain a better rapport but more importantly, to let them know they aren’t alone on this road. One of the most challenging stigmas my patients experience is being told that  “sickle cell patients are drug-seeking” 1. insulting and 2. inaccurate. These patients were born with this disease; therefore, they have been managing it throughout their entire life and it’s disheartening every time I have to advocate for their basic right to treatment. It makes me think of what my children will have to endure in the future.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I provide hemoglobinopathy counseling, sickle cell education outreach services, and school interventions for 11 counties of Northwest Ohio. I am a department of one and I wear multiple hats. I currently serve as a liaison between the local hospital and the client knowing their diagnosis. I am most proud of restarting the local sickle cell support group: Sickle Cell Awareness Toledo (SCAT) in 2019. I hosted the 1st inaugural 5k Run/Walk for sickle cell in 2019. I secured over 50 sponsors/vendors and over 350 registered participants. Also, On June 19, 2019 ” World Sickle Cell Day” I was given a proclamation from the mayor’s office of Toledo on my combat to sickle cell awareness.

On October 11, 2019, I presented research on “Assessing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety and Depression in Caregivers of Children with Sickle Cell Disease” at the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America 47th National Conference. During this conference, I was given the 1st Community Health Worker P.O.W.E.R Award. I was named NASW 2019 MSW Student of the Year, Region I Toledo, Ohio. I also provided a workshop on “Demographic Research and Data Collection to Inform Policies and Programs “at the Ohio Cultural.

What sets me aside from others is that I am always looking for opportunities to share my knowledge on sickle cell disease or trait with anyone willing to listen. I create innovative ways to raise awareness: I host Facebook webinars, and I am asking uncomfortable questions to help gain an understanding of what my clients are lacking and how I can best support them. I listen, that is imperative so that I can ensure that I am not missing the mark. Sickle cell is a part of me 24/7 this is not just a place of employment but a lifestyle I live on and off the clock daily! My children have given me my purpose to advocate not only for them but for thousands of patients impacted by the disease.

What do you think about happiness?
The thing that makes me happy is that I have implemented programming within the schools to help assist my clients in graduating and staying on task. I have made collaborations with local community-based organizations to raise awareness of sickle cell. I have been able to bridge the gap within the healthcare systems to make sure that patients are not stigmatized and unheard when they require treatment for chronic pain. I understand that my purpose in this lifetime is to advocate and bridge the gap in my community on what sickle cell is and who is impacted? This is only the beginning for me, I have so many plans for this community that will be beneficial to a better quality of life! The future is very promising for my clients as I continue on my journey to the road of Dr. Scott their needs will always be addressed in practice, research or community events, etc. #SickleCellMatters

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Lashardae_Scott