ABOUT US

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HISTORY

Uriel Owens suffered greatly from Sickle Cell Anemia but despite the debilitating effects of Sickle Cell Anemia, he made outstanding contributions to his community.

As a well-known civic leader in Kansas City, Kansas, he helped to establish the Juniper Gardens Children’s Project. For several years he was Director of the Economic Opportunity Foundation, an anti-poverty organization in Kansas City, Kansas. He was an active member of the Democratic Party and was a delegate to the Democratic Convention in Miami, Florida in 1972.

Owens had often expressed the need for an organization that could assist sickle cell patients and their families in various ways.

After his death on October 16, 1980, family members and close friends of Uriel decided to establish a sickle cell organization in his honor. The Sickle Cell Disease Association of the Midwest was established on January 19, 1981. The association continues to provide assistance to persons with Sickle Cell Disease, and to educate the community about the disease.

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Uriel E. Owens

Statement of Equity

The Uriel E. Owens Sickle Cell Disease Association of the Midwest is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize that SCD affects individuals from various racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and we strive to ensure that every person, regardless of their identity or circumstances, has access to compassionate care, education, and resources.

Through intentional outreach, the Association aims to serve traditionally underserved populations, breaking down barriers related to income, language, transportation, immigration status, gender identity, and sexual orientation, and promote equity by reducing disparities in access and treatments for those affected by SCD.

THE BOARD

The Association is fully run by our board members, who work hard to bring needed services and resources to the greater Kansas City area. The Board of Directors is composed of healthcare and community professionals that live with sickle cell disease, are personally impacted by someone with the disease, and or have a strong desire to help the sickle cell community. All members are deeply committed to carrying out the mission of the Association!