Sickle Cell Foundation, aging agency and local nonprofits brief county commission on services and funding needs

Representatives from several local nonprofits told the Montgomery County Commission about services, waiting lists and funding needs, and asked the commission to consider continued or increased support as the county finalizes a tight FY 2026 budget.

Monica VanDiver, executive director of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Greater Montgomery, said the foundation serves 13 counties but has a higher caseload in Montgomery County and asked the commission to consider increasing the county’s annual support. VanDiver told commissioners the foundation had historically received $21,000 about 20 years ago, later was cut to $15,007.50 and that this year’s request was to bring the county contribution closer to $20,000. “If we don't recognize these babies upfront, they will die,” VanDiver said, stressing the foundation’s newborn screening and patient support work and its need for bilingual outreach staff, transportation assistance and help…