First ever computer based teaching center for sickle cell patients and health care providers opens in March of 1997

The Sickle Cell Multimedia Resource Center opened its doors in March of 1997. Our six new personal computers are available to teach patients and families about sickle cell, nutrition, human anatomy, medical terminology, asthma, and heart disease. health care providers can learn about anemia, sickle cell management, EKG reading, anatomy, cardiology and patient simulations.

In June, we began offering short classes for patients who want to learn the basics of personal computers, typing, Windows, desktop publishing, word-processing, and spreadsheets. The classes are for those with little knowledge of computers. They teach what a computer is like on the inside, and what different types of programs do. These classes help you decide the type of job you might want, or they can improve your work skills. The Multimedia Resource Center also schedules advanced classes if patients request them. We will soon have software to help adult patients improve their reading and math skills. All of these classes are free for sickle cell patients.

Also, there is software on order that will help kids in math, reading, and typing. And we are working on software just for kids who want to learn more about sickle cell and health.

Many visitors to our Multimedia Resource Center drop by just to look, but a lot of these visitors then decide to return for some lessons. In fact, Danny Glover, the actor, recently stopped by. He didn’t have time to take any lessons, but he was impressed with our facility and promised to return!

If you would like to get more information about classes and hours for the Sickle Cell Multimedia Resource Center, please contact the Sickle Cell Center or drop us an e-mail message.