Andrea Lobo, PhD,  science writer—

The Assistance Fund (TAF) has launched a new financial assistance program to cover out-of-pocket medical expenses for people with sickle cell disease (SCD). The program will cover copayments, health insurance premiums, costs related to ground travel needed to get treatment, and genetic testing, for people with SCD who…

Despite improvements in newborn screening for sickle cell disease (SCD) in Brazil, the mortality rate for children and young adults with the disease remains high, according to a recent study that highlights the burden of the disease and the need for improved healthcare for these patients. Researchers found that the…

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) might be at risk for severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) even if they’re a normal weight, according to a study. This contrasts with obesity being a widely known risk factor of OSA in the general population. OSA occurs when the natural relaxation of…

Higher levels of hemoglobin — the protein in red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport — were associated with a lower risk of end-organ damage with sickle cell disease (SCD), a retrospective study has found. The risk was higher for patients with hemoglobin levels below 7 g/dL and increased…

Treatment with hydroxyurea — approved to help reduce pain crises and the need for blood transfusions in sickle cell disease (SCD) — is associated with a higher incidence of spleen removal surgery among children with SCD, according to a recent study. The findings also indicated that SCD children…

The American Red Cross Central Appalachian Region received $25,000 from the FirstEnergy Foundation on behalf of efforts to support people with sickle cell disease (SCD) and increase the number of Black people who donate blood. The American Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative aims to improve the quality of…

Television host KiKi Shepard’s 4th Annual Celebrity Golf Classic, taking place Monday, Nov. 14, aims to raise awareness of sickle cell disease (SCD) — and funding for programs and services at the nonprofit she founded, called the KIS Foundation. The golfing event, organized by Shepard and select corporate sponsors,…

PerkinElmer has donated to an initiative that would extend newborn screening for sickle cell disease (SCD) in Ghana. The goal, which is expected to be achieved by 2030, is to boost screening from its current 4% to 50% of all babies born in the West African country. The…