James R Clark Memorial Sickle Cell Foundation

02/14/2026

02/13/2026

The James R. Clark Memorial Sickle Cell Foundation commemorates Black History Month by honoring the memory of Dr. James R. Clark, for whom our Foundation is named.

James Roland Clark, MD, son of Essex and Emily Clark, was born in Columbia, South Carolina on June 29, 1937. He attended Waverly Elementary School and graduated in 1954 as valedictorian from C.A. Johnson High School where he also was elected Student Council President. Clark received a Bachelor of Science degree from Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois. At Blackburn College, he served as president of his senior class and president of the Blackburn Student Council.

Upon graduation from Blackburn, Clark pursued further study in biochemistry at Washington University in St. Louis. Subsequently, he graduated with honors from the Howard University Medical School in 1961. Clark served as a Captain in the Medical Corps of the United States Army from 1964-1967. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of California Medical Center in San Francisco in 1970.

During 1970 and 1971, Clark directed a free clinic in the Haight-Ashbury District of San Francisco. Following this humanitarian experience, he returned to his hometown of Columbia and established a private practice in internal medicine. He was a member of the Columbia Medical Society, the South Carolina Medical Association, Pharmaceutical Association, the Congaree Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Association and the Columbia Medical Forum. Clark was elected Chairman of the Hypertension Task Force of the South Carolina Heart Association.

In addition to being a lifetime member of the NAACP, he served as a member of the Board of Directors and Vice President-Elect of the South Carolina Heart Association and a member of the Board of Directors of the Family Service Center.

Clark was recognized as an expert on sickle cell anemia and was one of the founders of the Columbia Area Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation (CASCAF), as well as a board member and medical advisor to the organization. Following his tragic and untimely death in February 1979, the organization’s name was officially changed to the James R. Clark Memorial Sickle Cell Foundation.

Today, the agency serves 15 South Carolina counties through its main office in Columbia and satellite offices in Lancaster, Florence and Sumter. The Annual Sickle Cell Walk has established a scholarship in his memory.

Clark will always be remembered as a model of idealism that translated into the highest level of humanity in giving and caring for others and for his community. He was a physician who gave willingly of his time to help scores of needy patients, providing a standard of excellence in medical care among poor African Americans who had been historically denied access to such services.

“Doctor Jim” had a basic, unshakable, and unyielding trust in his fellow human beings. He was loved and respected by everyone with whom he came in contact because he embodied compassion, empathy, and genuine love for others.

02/13/2026

Coming up!

Register here:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/9nfpxws/lp/396a0283-c2a9-4b09-b964-c529b1740969

02/13/2026

A very special congratulations to JRC’s Lancaster Office Manager, Doris Ealey, Satellite Staff Liaison, Kiki Walton, The Ealey Family, Committe Members, City of Lancaster and Sponsors for a wonderful evening of education and entertainment at the Annual Gala held December 13,2025.

02/06/2026

On December 13, 2025, the Midlands of South Carolina Black Nurses Association hosted its Annual Scholarship Luncheon, “Awareness to Action: Nurses as Champions for Sickle Cell Health Equity.”

The event honored and recognized South Carolina’s community-based and grassroots organizations for their impactful work within the community.

The luncheon highlighted the persistent health disparities in the treatment of sickle cell disease and emphasized the urgent need for equitable access to quality care for all individuals affected.

The James R. Clark Memorial Sickle Cell Foundation (JRC) is truly appreciative of the partnership and continued support of the Midlands of South Carolina Black Nurses Association and their unwavering dedication to advancing health equity and compassionate care.

The event was held at South Carolina Department of Archives & History
8301 Parklane Road, Columbia, SC

01/30/2026

A memorable Friday recap:✨
JRC awards Team Daniels & Daniels 1st place, Team Skylar-Youth Ambassador 2025-2026 2nd place, and Team Nahdia with 3rd place for their outstanding fundraising performance supporting the Dr. James R. Clark Sickle Cell Walk and Scholarship Fund held October 21, 2025.

01/28/2026

Join JRC for this Annual Community Event!
Sickle Cell Trait screening will be provided.

01/27/2026

01/26/2026

Community Flashback Spotlight!

On October 4, 2025, The B Strong Group hosted its 2nd Annual South Carolina Sickle Cell Symposium, a comprehensive educational workshop.

The event brought together dedicated vendors, speakers, and interactive panel discussions focused on sickle cell disease and the critical need for ongoing advocacy and education.

The energy, knowledge shared, and commitment to improving outcomes for individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease made this event an overwhelming success!

Education empowers. Advocacy changes lives✨

01/25/2026

A special thank you to the Top Ladies of Distinction – Florence Chapter, for their generous donation of warm blankets for our Patient Giving Tree Holiday Program.

Your thoughtfulness brought comfort, warmth, and joy to our patients during the holiday season.

Your continued support is truly appreciated—and priceless.🌸

01/25/2026

Empowering Wellness:
Mt. Olive African Methodist Episcopal Church's Health Fair and Wellness Initiative 🩺 ♥️ 🩺

Florence Satellite Office