In the absence of SCD clinics with infusion centers, preventable pain crises and other complications frequently lead to ER visits and hospitalizations at an estimated cost of $2.4 billion per year in this country. In California a conservative estimate based on the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) data for 2014-16, indicates the charges for hospitalization and ER visits for adults with SCD exceeded $226 million. Implementation of the SCD network of regionalized care will have a major impact on California’s healthcare budget and will greatly improve the quality of life for its citizens with Sickle Cell Disease.

This network, working with California’s healthcare institutions of higher learning, will expand the much-needed healthcare workforce of clinicians who are knowledgeable about SCD diagnosis and treatment.

These new clinics and the SCD subspecialty consortium will collaborate with community based organizations (CBO) or offer satellite community programs to reduce social determinants that impede health equity, such as transportation, housing, or translation services, that block access to SCD care and innovative therapies. Importantly, at least 5 new centers funded through this appropriation, along with primary care providers and CBOs will expand the SCD network so that it can serve local geographic areas and surrounding counties based on highest need and demographics.

We are visiting clinics to determine the compassionate staff, resources and commitment of each sight to create a center of excellence for preventative, guideline driven SCD outpatient care. We are simultaneously meeting with leadership in the appropriate Medi-Cal managed care organizations to partner on assuring that these designated centers in the NCSCC will be sustainable and open to all SCD patients and families for many years to come.