Greenville program tries team approach to improve lifespan of sickle cell disease patients

Dr. Alan Anderson who was involved with several pediatric sickle cell disease and cancer projects at hospitals in Africa, began working on a new program. It was launched at Greenville Health System, which cared for more than 450 patients with SCD in 2017. The program features a team of social workers, psychologists, nurses and doctors who provide inpatient and outpatient care, including infusions of pain medications, blood transfusions, education, support and preventive therapy for patients as they grow older.

This improves coordination of care and ensures there are no barriers to care, such as a lack of transportation or insurance. It is based on a model of treatment that combines preventive therapy and a consistent team approach and that’s led to increases in survival. The program also hopes to raise awareness of the disease in the community by working closely with a new Greenville Sickle Cell Disease Community Advisory Board made up of community leaders.