Mary Chapman, features writer —

To lessen the need for hospitalizations and slow or reverse the organ damage seen in sickle cell disease (SCD), scientists at University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) will use a $19.2 million National Institutes of Health grant to test red blood cell exchange transfusion in patients. Co-led by the…

In partnership with community organizations, Global Blood Therapeutics (GBT) is directing a national campaign to raising awareness and understanding of sickle cell disease, including among health professionals focused largely on pain crises, with the goal improving patient care. Called Sickle Cell Speaks, the campaign highlights diverse stories told…

The Sickle Cell Disease Association of Illinois (SCDAI) announced plans to hold its 45th Annual 8K Walk/Jog/Bike-A-Thon on July 20, continuing the group’s longstanding efforts to raise funds and disease awareness. Rain or shine, the event will take place starting at 8 a.m. along the shores of Lake…

Howard University’s 6th Annual World Sickle Cell Awareness Day Symposium has its sights set on a cure for the inherited blood disorder. To be held June 19 — the 10th anniversary of World Sickle Cell Awareness Day — the free meeting is themed “Cure Sickle Cell Now — Patient Engagement.”…

Prominent sickle cell advocate and philathropist Howard Woolley has won a Sickle Cell Outstanding Service Award, presented recently at the 2019 Roland B. Scott Memorial Symposium. Themed “Preparing the next generation of advocates for sickle cell disease healthcare,” the symposium, held at Howard University, featured a…

Novartis‘ Solutions to Empower Patients (STEP) program will fund five nonprofit organizations that address some of the most pressing concerns in the sickle cell disease (SCD) community. Nearly $250,000 will be divided up among patient advocacy organizations and research institutions. Started in 2017, the STEP program funds innovative…

In what’s viewed as a significant step toward addressing unmet needs in California’s sickle cell disease (SCD) community, scientists and policy leaders met recently to discuss proposed legislation, gaps in patient care, and to hear from patients. Called “The Impacts of Sickle Cell Disease in California Legislative Briefing,” the…

Backed by a new study suggesting that sickle cell disease (SCD) is common among refugees in Southern Europe, some hematologists are calling for increased screening measures. Specialists are working to determine the extent of blood disorders within the population. They’re also outlining ways to help identify and treat…

In an effort to raise awareness about the latest in sickle cell disease therapy, Emmy award-winning National Football League (NFL) broadcaster Solomon Wilcots has partnered with biopharmaceutical company Emmaus Life Sciences to launch “Sideline Sickle Cell.” The educational campaign targets the sickle cell disease (SCD) community —…

A Republic of Congo delegation of health and higher education representatives recently met with Howard University officials, aiming to ultimately advance research into sickle cell disease (SCD) — a particularly pervasive disorder in Africa. Led by Congo Minister of Health and Population Jacqueline Lydia Mikolo and Minister of Higher…