Why is it important to understand a disease that unless you are born with, doesn’t affect you? It’s because though you may not have been born with the actual disease, you could be one of millions carrying the trait that can be passed on to your offspring, causing the disease. If a set of parents carry the trait, there is a significant chance their child will contract sickle cell disease at birth.
The sickle cell trait can live in any one person, of which they will not end up with the disease or ever suffer any complications. It is a trait that is inherited at birth, primarily for those of African, Indian, Central and South American, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean descent. 10% of African Americans carry the sickle cell trait.
The Sickle Cell Disease itself, derives from an inherited group of red blood cell disorders. A healthy red blood cell has a round shape and help to carry oxygen to various parts of the body. In a person that has Sickle Cell Disease, the red blood cells take on a c shape, which is called a sickle. Sickle cells have a short life span which causes a lack of blood cells. Also, when attempting to carry oxygen throughout the other blood vessels, they get stuck causing clogging. This can cause pain and if serious enough stroke.
Sickle Cell Disease or SCD, is a condition that is genetically passed from birth. It is when a child receives two sickle cell genes, one from both parents. SCD is diagnosed with a blood test usually during newborn screenings. Children are at higher risk of SCD so getting your child test is very important.
Hamilton Community Health Network is excited to announce its new Sickle Cell Disease program. We are working with Susumu Inoue, MD on delivering high-quality healthcare to patients with sickle cell disease in the Flint and surrounding communities. There is a growing need for the care of people who have sickle cell disease and the navigation through the healthcare delivery system. Therefore, Dr. Inoue and his nurse, Tammy, are working to make the process as easy as possible for patients.
The program is free, and we will work with your primary care physician and hematologist. We are available to:
- Answer medical questions
- Provide transition education from pediatric to adult care
- Assist you in connecting with a hematologist
- Communicate with your doctors
- Communicate and explain labs result
- Review complications associated with sickle cell
- Assist with finding available transportation to appointments
- Connecting you to community services
We are here to listen to your concerns and to help improve the care of the sickle cell community. Please contact Tammy Scherrer, RN, at 810‐262‐1205. We will respond to you within 24 hours.
