Sickle Cell Wellness and Treatment Center at Southern Regional Medical Center - Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited disease that affects the shape of the red blood cells, causing anemia, pain, and many other problems. SCD is a lifelong illness that starts early in life and primarily affects those of African American descent. According to the CDC (Demographics and Healthcare Utilization Data, Georgia) and the Georgia Health Policy Center (2020), over 15,000 Georgians survive SCD. Complications of SCD and sickle cell trait (SCT) are induced by dehydration, fevers, viruses, infections, surgeries, or stressful activities, and they attack the body and can render an individual in crisis. Individuals with SCD or with SCT require education, support, and wellness management to prevent healthcare crises that could lead to more complications and even death. Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited disease that affects the shape of the red blood cells, causing anemia, pain, and many other problems. SCD is a lifelong illness that starts early in life and primarily affects those of African American descent. According to the CDC (Demographics and Healthcare Utilization Data, Georgia) and the Georgia Health Policy Center (2020), over 15,000 Georgians survive SCD. Complications of SCD and sickle cell trait (SCT) are induced by dehydration, fevers, viruses, infections, surgeries, or stressful activities, and they attack the body and can render an individual in crisis. Individuals with SCD or with SCT require education, support, and wellness management to prevent healthcare crises that could lead to more complications and even death. Southern Regional Medical Center is developing the Sickle Cell Wellness Treatment Center, which will focus on wellness, prevention of complications, and proactive care. We will offer education, laboratory tests, infusion, hydration, wound care, and consultation with physicians, registered dieticians, providers, and other specialists. In addition, Southern Regional Medical Center is committed to collaborating with the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc., and the existing services provided by Grady Memorial Hospital to provide evidence-based care to Georgians with SCD and SCT in acute crisis. After establishing initial baseline data for service delivery, the success of the project will be evaluated based on the specific, measurable goals set for the areas of patient outcomes, provider knowledge and attitudes, care and coordination with partners and collaborative organizations, patient education and empowerment, research and quality improvement, access to care, patient satisfaction, economic impact, and community engagement. Ultimately, our goal is to reduce the number of reported crisis care episodes in emergency rooms. The project would serve an estimated 3,000 Georgians with SCD and create an estimated 10 jobs. To ensure the successful launch of the center, we will renovate and reconfigure the existing space at 29 Upper Riverdale Road, Suite 210, Riverdale, Georgia 30274. The space totals 2,847 square feet. Funding will be used to complete the construction/renovation project, purchase equipment, and cover a portion of related administrative costs.
