The Sickle Cell Disease Care team seeks to provide treatment to the highly affected population in San Bernardino County. Left to right: Malena Chappell-Brass, MSN, RN, FNP-C, Family Nurse Practitioner. Huynh Cao, MD, Hematologist. Chanell Grismore, MPH, MCHES, Director.
In 2021, Loma Linda University Medical Center received a $500,000 state grant to fund the development of a Sickle Cell Disease Care Clinic. The clinic seeks to provide treatment and support to the highly affected population in San Bernardino County.
The development of this center marks a new paradigm in caring for individuals with sickle cell disease in the Inland Region.
Chanell Grismore, Director of Sickle Cell Services
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder caused by a gene defect. It causes the body to produce abnormal hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to all parts of your body. This production restricts oxygen flow to the tissues and organs, causing pain, damage to major organs, and susceptibility to infection.
Studies show that 486 babies were born with SCD from 2004 to 2008. Though SCD can affect all races and ethnic groups, 89% of individuals in this study were Black, and 8% were Hispanic.
“San Bernardino County was specifically identified among five regions in the state by the legislature as a funding priority because of the large number of individuals with Sickle Cell Disease in the region,” said Lyndon Edwards, Senior Vice President of Adult Hospital Services.”
The one-year grant supports the medical home model of care in a community setting. This design offers integrated comprehensive care for patients from a team of health care providers like sickle cell specialists, community health workers, behavioral health, and other staff.
“The development of this center marks a new paradigm in caring for individuals with sickle cell disease in the Inland Region. This is an opportunity for LLUMC to provide the comprehensive and compassionate care those affected deserve,” said Chanell Grismore, Director of Sickle Cell Services.
Take the next step to improving your quality of life by learning more about the services offered at the Sickle Cell Disease Care Clinic.