Our pediatric and adolescent blood disorders program began in 1999 when we received a grant from the Department of Health and Human Service. We are recognized as the Region I referral center for the NC Sickle Cell Syndrome Program. Region I serves twenty four counties in Western North Carolina.
Our Services
We offer a full range of services to pediatric patients with any type of sickle cell or related blood disorder, including sickle cell anemia, sickle C (Hg C) disease, sickle beta zero thalassemia, sickle beta plus thalassemia, thalassemia, hemoglobin E and others. We also serve patients with sickle cell trait. Our services include:
- monthly clinic devoted to follow-up care for sickle cell and related diseases
- medical care for sick visits and hospital admissions
- clinic nurses certified in pediatrics or hematology/oncology
- program coordinator
- 24-hour coverage by two board certified hematologists
- medical social worker devoted to helping children and families living with sickle cell disease and other blood related disorders
- patient and family centered care, including education and support
- multidisciplinary care team
- resource center for community education about sickle cell disease and related blood disorders and cultural sensitivity
- resource for pediatricians in western North Carolina for current innovations in sickle cell disease and other related blood disorders
- coordination of care among needed specialists
- ongoing patient-focused activities to help children better understand their disease and how to improve their health-related quality of life
Our Program Goals
Many of the services speak to our Blood Disorders Program's overall goals, including:
- Create a "medical home" where children with sickle cell disease and related blood disorders and their families feel cared for by people who value them and understand the disease
- Develop effective methods to maintain contact with patients who have a blood-related genetic disease so that they receive appropriate medical care
- Facilitate wellness in a special needs population whose life expectancy can be improved with comprehensive care
We are located on the fifth floor of the Memorial building in the Pediatric Outpatient Unit. Visitors and patient families can park in the outpatient parking area located near the Emergency Room.
