Rhode Island Cell and Gene Therapy Access Model - The proposed project aims to enhance access to cell and gene therapies and improve care for individuals with sickle cell disease through the development and implementation of a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach. It will focus on developing evidence-based strategies for improving patient care and ensure equitable access to comprehensive services. The project will aim to address critical Health-Related Social Needs (HRSNs) by forming partnerships with community-based organizations and eliminate transportation barriers by leveraging our Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) services and forming partnerships with community-based organizations. These partnerships will facilitate screening, referrals, and support services, including nutrition assistance, housing and lodging assistance, and childcare assistance. A comprehensive public health communication plan will be developed in collaboration with local sickle cell disease providers. This plan will utilize various communication channels, including our website, to raise patient awareness and knowledge of the cell and gene therapies and related Medicaid services. In parallel, the project will develop an academic detailing program aimed at increasing provider awareness and knowledge. This program will equip healthcare providers will resources and tools to improve patient access to these therapies, enhance their understanding of the treatments and health-related social needs services, and promote best practices for integrating them into patient care. Finally, health outcomes research will also be conducted to track and monitor patient outcomes from the point of referral, through treatment, and after treatment. The total proposed budget for the project is $793,419.04 for implementation funding for CY 2025 and $125,000 milestone funding for CY 2026. Funding will be used to hire staff responsible for implementing, monitoring, and evaluating the project. It will also support the purchase of consultative services from professionals to assist with development of the initiative. Additionally, funds will be used to cover Health-Related Social Needs (HRSNs) services provided by community-based organizations (CBOs). Lastly, funds will be used to conduct research to evaluate the effectiveness of the project in increasing access to cell and gene therapies and promoting multi-disciplinary, comprehensive care for beneficiaries with sickle cell disease.
