DISCLAIMER
The information and materials accessed through or made available for use on any of our Sites, including, any information about diseases, conditions, treatments, or medicines, are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and your participation on our Sites does not create a healthcare professional-patient relationship. You should consult a doctor or other qualified health care professional regarding any questions you have about your health or before making any decisions related to your health or wellness. Call your doctor or 911 immediately if you think you may have a medical emergency.compose your message
message sent
email sent successfully
Trusted Resources: News & Events
Latest announcements and gatherings
SCDAA Teams with MedicAlert Foundation to Improve Emergency Outcomes During Sickle Cell Crises
[Hanover, Md., June 26, 2023] – The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, the leading patient organization for people with sickle cell disease, announced a pilot program with MedicAlert Foundation to enhance the safety and well-being of people living with sickle cell disease.
More than 100,000 Americans live with sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder that affects red blood cells. Acute pain episodes known as sickle cell crises are one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of sickle cell disease. These crises can be unpredictable and extremely painful, lasting from a few hours to a few weeks. They’re the No. 1 reason people with sickle cell disease seek emergency treatment.
However, patients seeking treatment for a sickle cell crisis face hurdles to getting the care they need in the emergency department. Many emergency physicians are not well versed in sickle cell disease and treatment protocols. And with the rise of the opioid crisis, emergency department providers are cautious about providing the powerful pain medication needed to quell a sickle cell crisis. Sometimes sickle cell patients are unfairly labeled as “drug seekers” by emergency department personnel who don’t understand the disease.
The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America and MedicAlert pilot program aim to improve access to timely, effective emergency care for people experiencing a sickle cell crisis. MedicAlert Foundation is a leading nonprofit providing lifesaving medical identification and emergency response services for millions of people living with chronic health conditions.
Related Content
-
education & researchPriapism in Sickle Cell AnemiaPriapism in Sickle Cell Anemia: II. Epi...
-
education & researchHydroxyurea Shows Clinical Benefit without Alteration of Fetal Hemoglobin, MCV, or Hemoglobin in Unselected Adult an...Introduction: Sickle cell anemia is the...
-
news & eventsSCDAA And MedicAlert Pilot Program ApplicationSCDAA and MedicAlert Pilot Program Impr...
-
news & eventsGut Microbiome Translates Stress Into Sickle Cell CrisesA new study shows how chronic psychologi...
-
Community Center‘Every Time It’s A Battle’: In Excruciating Pain, Sickle Cell Patients Are Shunted AsideAmy Mason had toughed it out for hours o...
-
people & placesJon Mark Hirshon, MDJon Mark Hirshon, MD, PhD, MPH, FACEP, F...
-
Community CenterNew treatment plan leads to better pain control for acute sickle cell crisisThere’s new hope for the 70,000 to 80,...
send a message
To improve your experience on this site, we use cookies. This includes cookies essential for the basic functioning of our website, cookies for analytics purposes, and cookies enabling us to personalize site content. By clicking on 'Accept' or any content on this site, you agree that cookies can be placed. You may adjust your browser's cookie settings to suit your preferences. More Information
The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.
Support for this site is provided by
This platform is made possible through a partnership with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. (SCDAA) and its member organizations. SCDAA's mission is to advocate for people affected by sickle cell conditions and empower community-based organizations to maximize quality of life and raise public consciousness while advancing the search for a universal cure.