Sickle cell doesn’t discriminate—but our healthcare systems do. In this powerful TEDx talk, Dr. La’Shardae Scott shares her personal journey as a mother, advocate, and changemaker, challenging the racial biases that shape sickle cell care. Watch as she redefines advocacy and inspires a new standard of equity, compassion, and accountability in healthcare. Dr. La’Shardae Scott, DSW, MSW, CHES, is President and CEO of the Scott Center for Observation, Treatment, and Transition, leading efforts in infant mortality, mental health, and the pediatric-to-adult transition for sickle cell patients. She has secured vital funding and co-developed the CDC’s manual Oral Health Management in Sickle Cell Patients. Her partnerships with Ohio hospitals have improved care transitions and outcomes for vulnerable populations. A passionate advocate and mother of two children living with sickle cell disease, Dr. Scott serves on several health equity boards and the NASW-Ohio Region 1 Board. She holds degrees from Eastern Michigan University and a Doctorate of Social Work in Administration and Leadership from the University of Kentucky. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.
🎙️ This week on the Speakers Magazine podcast: We sit down with Dr. LaShardae Scott, a powerhouse advocate, entrepreneur, and founder of the Scott Center for Observation, Treatment, and Transition. She’s not just leading a movement—she’s living it. 💥 She just completed her first TEDx Talk! Featured in our April issue, Dr. Scott opens up about how a personal family journey through sickle cell disease became her professional calling. What began as a mother’s mission to navigate the healthcare maze for her children, has evolved into a national crusade to transform care, uplift communities, and rewrite the sickle cell narrative. Through grit, grace, and God-given vision, Dr. Scott built a center that’s breaking barriers in transitional care—and changing lives every day. Her story is one of divine alignment, resilience, and what it means to turn pain into purpose. 💡 Inside this episode: ✅ How a personal diagnosis ignited a national mission ✅ The blueprint behind her innovative transition programs ✅ The power of community partnerships and advocacy ✅ Real talk on building a business rooted in calling—not clout If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to walk in purpose while building a legacy that heals—this episode is for you. 🔥
The Scott Center Team is beyond excited to share some incredible news—Our President and CEO Dr. La'Shardae Scott is officially a scholarly contributor in the newly released book “101 Things To Do With a Social Work Degree!”
This project is powerful, personal, and purposeful! It shatters the myth that social workers don’t make money and boldly showcases the many dynamic, diverse, and dope roles we hold in the world! From boardrooms to bedside, courtrooms to classrooms—this book proves that social workers are EVERYWHERE and in EVERYTHING!
You can grab your copy now on Amazon—let’s celebrate the brilliance and the bag that comes with being in this field!
Celebrating Dr. La’Shardae Scott, a DSW graduate
Beyond her academic achievements, she has transformed her personal challenges into a vigorous advocacy for sickle cell disease awareness.
Congratulations to Dr. La'Shardae Scott, CEO of Scott Center for Observation, Treatment and Transition, on being named Advocate of the Year by the Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Lucas County! Your dedication to mental health awareness is truly inspiring. Keep shining your light!
#AdvocateofTheYear #MentalHealthAwareness #SCOTTCENTEROH
#LucasCountyCares
La’Shardae Scott, a mother of three amazing boys. As a mother of two children living and thriving with sickle cell disease, I knew 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. As a Detroit native, 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 by sickle cell disease.CEO/President of SCOTT, which stands for: Scott Center for Observation Treatment & Transition; a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sickle cell awareness, education and research.
La’Shardae Scott is a beacon of progress for SCD warriors, shining a spotlight on a long-overlooked genetic disorder predominantly affecting African Americans. She is also the CEO/President of SCOTT, which stands for: Scott Center for Observation Treatment & Transition; a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sickle cell awareness, education and research.
Each January, Toledo City Paper selects area movers and shakers to feature big ideas that enhance our community and change the Toledo area for the better. Meet the Big Idea selections here.
Each year since 1996, twenty young community leaders receive the prestigious 20 Under 40 Award. A Leadership Recognition Program, 20 Under 40 showcases dynamic leaders from Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan who are under the age of 40. The program recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves in their careers and/or in the community. In addition to honoring the recipients, the program is intended to help motivate young people throughout our area to become community leaders.
As a mother with two young children who have sickle cell disease, La'Shardae Scott works tirelessly to advocate for them and others who struggle with this life-threatening illness. And she knows the importance of a diverse blood supply to help treat them. That's why she & her organization, the S.C.O.T.T. Center, are hosting a blood drive this Saturday in Toledo to encourage more Black donors to give.
Scott Center for Observation, Treatment and Transition Board Member Chelsea Park a Michigan Woman Living with Sickle Cell Disease Spreads Awareness in Hope of Helping Others.
Advocating for Patients Affected by Sickle Cell Disease
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