We are a center for research in sickle cell disease, and patients participate in local and multi-institutional clinical trials.

The clinical services provided by our Sickle Cell Disease Program include treatment of children with sickle cell disease, an inherited red blood cell disorder that causes anemia and red blood cells that block blood vessels leading to a wide variety of symptoms and complications. Employing a prevention-centered treatment plan, our specialists, led by Ashok B. Raj, M.D., work to minimize the child’s symptoms and avoid complications of the disease. The team includes physicians, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, social worker and behavioral health specialist.

In addition, newborn children identified through the mandated state newborn hemoglobinopathy screening are referred to this program. Many of these children are seen for confirmation of diagnoses, genetic counseling and establishment of parent, nurse, physician relationship.

The highlight of the program is the availability of long-term erythrocytapheresis services (automated red cell exchange transfusion) for children maintained on chronic transfusion protocols as a mean to minimize iron overload syndromes and the need for long term chelation therapy.