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.
Wednesday, Sentara Health and Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences EVMS Medical Group at Old Dominion University released the Sentara-EVMS Comprehensive Sickle Cell Program.
Sickle cell is inherited and is more common in African Americans compared to any other ethnicity, according to the CDC. Health leaders say there are a lot of barriers to care for those battling with the disease.
"Most of the time it feel like knives that's stabbing you in the body. It feels like someone is constantly stabbing you" said Travis Robinson who lives with sickle cell.
Many people living with sickle cell have severe pain and infections. Travis says everyday is a uphill battle for him. He says he's excited to learn Sentara Health and Virginia Health Sciences EVMS Medical Group at ODU came together to launch a comprehensive care network for sickle cell disease patients.
Travis would travel from North Carolina to EVMS for his appointments regularly, traveling an hour and 15 minutes for care. Until now, patients across Hampton Roads would travel to Richmond for VCU Medical Center. This program will bring together specialists in internal medicine, hospital care, psych and pain management all in one place. Doctors say this is pivotal for some marginalized groups.
"It's beneficial to the eastern part of North Carolina as well. I think this is a 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 there services under the same umbrella" said Travis.
According to the CDC the disease is inherited and is more common in African Americans compared to any other ethnicity.
"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 Travis.
The official grand opening took place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, October 9th. Click here to learn more about the new clinic and its services.
