National Summit Focuses On Sickle Cell

By Genoa Barrow | OBSERVER Senior Staff WriterSickle cell disease continues to get national attention. In observance of September as Sickle Cell Awareness month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services hosted its first Sickle Cell Disease Summit late last month.The event, held in person in Washington D.C. and livestreamed, featured remarks from sickle cell warriors, health providers, lawmakers and other stakeholders. The theme of the summit was “Empowered and Thriving SCD Warriors and Communities” and is part of HHS’s commemoration of Sickle Cell Awareness Month.Hosts called the summit an opportunity to connect the SCD community with new audiences around a shared vision of accelerating advancements in SCD care, research, and quality of life.Opening remarks came from HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra.“No one with SCD should have to fight stigma and bias to access the lifesaving care they need,” Becerra said. “Today’s summit unites experts and warriors with lived experience, all with one goal: to secure a quality life for everyone affected by this disease and ultimately end the power and hold of SCD.”Panel discussions included “Gradually, then Suddenly: The History and Current State of SCD Therapies,” “Meeting Warriors Where They Are: Advancements in Access to Care” and “Reproductive Health...