our
Mission
- Support for research working towards elimination of Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia.
- Care and support for patients and their families.
- Harm minimisation through education.
our
values
- Stewardship
- Respect for the individual
- Integrity
our
Focus
Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Australia (TASCA) is a support and advocacy organisation for Australians living with genetic haemoglobin conditions. TASCA is overseen by a voluntary management committee and is funded through donations and support from the Victorian Government.
great effort towards raising public awareness
TASCA puts great effort towards raising public awareness of genetic haemoglobin conditions including Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia. We also provide a free education program to schools and the wider community and encourage carrier testing for haemoglobin conditions to assist with family planning decisions. TASCA also aims to empower those living with a genetic haemoglobin condition to live their best life and to provide them with support each step of the way.
Advocacy
TASCA serves an important role in providing advocacy for patients with Thalassaemia, Sickle Cell Anaemia and other related genetic haemoglobin conditions by:
- Lobbying for funding to meet medical and other support needs.
- Ensuring patients receive the best hospital care.
- Ensuring individuals living with these conditions aren’t kept in the shadows of the political and social systems.
Education
One of TASCA's most important roles is to provide community education. By regularly presenting to schools, community organisations, and the healthcare sector, TASCA helps to spread awareness and understanding of:
- Genetic haemoglobin conditions.
- The value of carrier testing to understand the risk of having an affected child.
- The role of genetic counselling prior to starting a family.
- The importance of blood donations.
- The role that TASCA plays in the community.
Support
TASCA supports those living with a genetic haemoglobin condition and their families by:
- Connecting people in similar circumstances.
- Providing the latest information on research and treatments.
- Organising fundraising events to spread awareness and raise donations.
- Holding social activities to promote morale and well-being.
- Raising donations to purchase infusion pumps to treating centres.
- Providing amenities at treatment centres to improve mental and social well.
Our Story
Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Australia (TASCA), originally known as the Thalassaemia Society of Victoria (TSV), was founded in 1976, by medical professionals to lobby government authorities for support in medical research and the provision of treatment facilities for those living with Thalassaemia and other related genetic haemoglobin conditions.
The work of TASCA in the early days was not easy, as many of it's members and those affected by Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia predominately came from migrant and refugee communities. Linguistic and cultural barriers played a significant role in preventing those affected from accessing medical support, treatment and family planning advice. Another challenge was the urgent need to raise awareness amongst medical providers and government authorities about genetic haemoglobin conditions and the necessary support for those affected, as well as their families.
TASCA has been instrumental in forming counselling support groups and seeking the services of professional counsellors to ensure the general well-being of those affected by Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia outside of the hospital. Furthermore, several recreational activities were organised to enhance the overall health, morale and well-being of the community. Over time, individuals and families affected by genetic haemoglobin conditions have become a significant part of TASCA, providing them with support, education and advocacy networks.
Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Australia (TASCA) is a support and advocacy organisation for Australians living with genetic haemoglobin conditions.
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