The S.T.E.P. Programme
Empowering Possibilities: CAIHR Launches the S.T.E.P. Forward Entrepreneurship Program for Persons Living with Sickle Cell Disease
In a ground-breaking initiative blending health, hope, and economic empowerment, the Sickle Cell Unit, Caribbean Institute for Health Research (CAIHR) has officially launched the S.T.E.P. Forward Program—(Sickle Cell Transformative and Empowerment)—an innovative entrepreneurship workshop tailored to individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and their caregivers.
Held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, this dynamic full-day event marks a pivotal moment in CAIHR’s ongoing commitment to supporting people affected by SCD. The program brought together over 70 attendees to support 12 businesses, and a powerhouse team of Jamaican business leaders, public health advocates, and lived-experience experts to foster entrepreneurial resilience, financial independence, and self-belief.
Beyond the Clinic: Addressing Economic Vulnerability
SCD presents not only medical challenges but also economic ones. Many individuals with SCD experience frequent work interruptions, financial instability, and limited employment options. The S.T.E.P. Forward Program recognizes that economic empowerment is a critical component of holistic health.
“We wanted to create a space where individuals with SCD are not just seen as patients, but as innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs. This workshop is more than just a training session — it’s a statement. A statement that living with SCD does not define your potential. A statement that caregivers are not just supporters but change makers. And a bold affirmation that entrepreneurship is for everyone — regardless of health status, physical ability, or life circumstance.’ -Dr. Patrice Simmonds-Brooks, Program Director, S.T.E.P. Forward.
