How can healthcare providers better serve as allies of the sickle cell community?

Has your medical practice taken any steps either in community outreach or within the clinic to show support for this medically vulnerable population, especially with increased attention on racial inequality?

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Have you and/or your colleagues organized outreach efforts to the sickle cell community? (select all that apply)

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2 Answers

Mednet Member

Hematology · UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center

Answered on · Updated on

Yes, the medical community should absolutely advocate for our patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). The vast majority of Americans with SCD are of African or Hispanic descent, and the overlay of racial inequality and healthcare disparities negatively impact their health outcomes (1-5). In addition to providing comprehensive hematologic care to children and adults living with SCD, we need to partner with community-based organizations to better understand how this complex illness truly impacts ...

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Mednet Member

Pediatric Hematology/Oncology · University of Michigan Medical School

Answered on

Agree completely with @Dr. First Last! Outreach is so important especially as these patients often are marginalized. Education of healthcare providers of all levels is also extremely important as the racism that pervades the care of these patients begins early. Only by learning and accepting that this is wrong, can we change the way that patients are treated.

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