In 1973 Rosia Metoyer and the Alexandria Chapter of Jack and Jill of America began the Alexandria Sickle Cell Anemia Research Foundation, Inc (SCARF) through a service project. The organization became registered with the state of Louisiana on January 2, 1974, and became an official 501c (3) organization in September 1975. SCARF was the first and only local organization formed to resolve a health problem in the black community during that time.
The Foundation was located on 2625 3rd Street for many years before selling the building due to weather damage and the lack of funding to repair it. SCARF is a non-profit organization governed by a board of directors. It serves 12 parishes: Winn, Natchitoches, Sabine, Vernon, Rapides, Avoyelles, Grant, Lasalle, Catahoula, Concordia, Evangeline, and Allen Parish.
The vision of Mrs. Rosia Metoyer and others who provided strong leadership has allowed us to serve our community for over 50 years. Rosia G. Metoyer served at the foundation from 1973-2018. After Rosia, Chauncey Hardy served the sickle cell disease (SCD) community from 2018-2022.
In 2022, current CEO Shay Hardison changed the name of the Foundation to the Sickle Cell Anemia Resource Foundation, Inc., to provide resources that would help SCD patients live uncompromised by the disease. The office is now at 3600 Jackson Steet Ste 195, Alexandria, La 71303.
Over the years, the Foundation has received funding through the State of Louisiana, HRSA, special events, donations, and other fundraising efforts, enabling the foundation to continue its programs and services to those with Sickle Cell. SCARF still operates on financial assistance from public and private donations to provide services to our clients. All donations are tax-deductible.