NORFOLK, Va. — A new sickle cell disease program, which has been in the works for months, is now available for families across Hampton Roads. The first-of-its-kind care network will break down barriers and improve the quality of care for those living with the disease.
Sentara Health and Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences EVMS Medical Group at Old Dominion University released the Sentara-EVMS Comprehensive Sickle Cell Program on Wednesday.
“Historically, across the nation, there has not been an equitable investment in sickle cell care compared to many other diseases that affect majority populations,” said Michael Hooper, M.D., chief academic officer for Sentara Health. “We saw that as a discrepancy we wanted to address locally.”
Sickle cell is inherited and is more common in African Americans, according to the CDC.
Many people living with sickle cell have severe pain and infections.
"Most of the time, it feels like knives that are stabbing you in the body. It feels like someone is constantly stabbing you," said Travis Robinson, who has sickle cell disease.
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Health leaders say sickle cell patients have many barriers to care. According to the CDC, many sickle cell patients have trouble accessing appropriate care.
Until now, patients across Hampton Roads would travel to the VCU Medical Center in Richmond for care. The Comprehensive Sickle Cell Program aims to streamline care by bringing together specialists in internal medicine, hospital care, psych and pain management—all in one place. Doctors say this is pivotal for some marginalized groups.
Robinson is also enthusiastic about having a multidisciplinary team under one roof.
"It's beneficial to the eastern part of North Carolina as well. I think this is an excellent idea because it's very beneficial to the patient and you get better continuity of care if a patient can kind of get all their services under the same umbrella," said Robinson.
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In addition to having access to quality care, Robinson says his positive outlook allows him to remain optimistic while living with sickle cell.
"I always tell people that sickle cell doesn't have me, I have it. I know what exacerbates a sickle cell crisis and I try to maintain and just stay positive," said Robinson.
Khristina Reid has two daughters who were diagnosed with sickle cell disease at birth. As children, they received treatment at Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters. She looks forward to the new sickle cell clinic in Norfolk.
But as her daughters grew older, they faced the prospect of having to travel the roughly two hours to Richmond, Virginia for specialized care.
"“I feel like this is the way it’s suppose to be. My hope is for longevity and success for the program. I hope sickle cell warriors are comfortable and excited and scheduling appointments to be seen here,” said Reid
The official grand opening took place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, October 9 and the clinic sits on the campus of Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and Eastern Virginia Medical School.
Click here to learn more about the new clinic and its services.
