About us
Born from community. Built on hope.
Bethesda Center for Sickle Cell Restoration and Hope exists because a community refused to let its people suffer alone.
Our mission
Why we exist
Our mission is to provide compassionate, culturally affirming support to individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease — through counseling, education, and community — so that every person can live with dignity, resilience, and hope.
We believe that healing is not only physical. It is emotional, relational, and communal. We walk alongside our community not as service providers, but as partners in wholeness.
Our vision
A world where no one faces sickle cell alone
We envision a future where every person living with sickle cell disease has access to the emotional support, knowledge, and community they need to thrive — regardless of income, geography, or background.
We are building that future one relationship, one session, one workshop at a time.
Our values
What guides everything we do
Compassion
We lead with empathy in every interaction, honoring the full humanity of every person we serve.
Community
We believe healing happens in relationship. We build belonging and foster connection at every turn.
Dignity
Every person deserves to be seen, heard, and treated with respect — regardless of their circumstances.
Empowerment
We equip our community with knowledge, tools, and support to advocate for themselves and live fully.
Excellence
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of care, always seeking to improve and grow.
Equity
We are committed to removing barriers and ensuring our services reach those who need them most.
Our story
How Bethesda Center began
Bethesda Center was founded by a small group of sickle cell patients, caregivers, and healthcare advocates who recognized a critical gap: while medical care for sickle cell disease was advancing, the emotional and communal needs of patients and families were being left behind.
They gathered around kitchen tables and in church halls, sharing stories, offering support, and dreaming of something more — a dedicated center where the whole person would be cared for. That dream became Bethesda Center.
Today, we serve hundreds of patients and families each year through our four core programs, and we continue to grow — driven by the same conviction that started it all: no one should face sickle cell disease alone.
Our team
The people behind the mission
Our staff brings together clinical expertise, lived experience, and deep community roots.
Dr. Renee Washington
Executive Director
Dr. Washington has dedicated over 20 years to health equity and community advocacy. As a sickle cell patient herself, she brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to her leadership of Bethesda Center.
Marcus Thompson, LPC
Clinical Director
Marcus oversees all counseling programs at Bethesda Center. A licensed professional counselor with a specialty in chronic illness and trauma, he has been with the organization since its founding.
Sofia Reyes
Community Outreach Coordinator
Sofia connects Bethesda Center with the broader community, building partnerships with hospitals, schools, and faith organizations to ensure our services reach those who need them most.
Dr. Alicia Monroe
Education Program Manager
Dr. Monroe designs and leads our educational programming, translating complex medical information into accessible, empowering content for patients and caregivers.
Board of directors
Governing with purpose
Rev. James Carter
Board Chair
Community Faith Leader
Dr. Patricia Osei
Vice Chair
Hematologist, City Medical Center
Angela Brooks, JD
Secretary
Healthcare Attorney
Michael Torres
Treasurer
CPA, Torres & Associates
Keisha Daniels
Board Member
Sickle Cell Patient Advocate
Dr. Samuel Nkosi
Board Member
Pediatric Hematologist
Ready to connect with us?
Whether you are looking for support, want to volunteer, or are interested in partnering with us — we would love to hear from you.