April 20, 2023
SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Recently Networking California for Sickle Cell Care (NCSCC) celebrated the grand opening of an adult Sickle Cell Disease treatment center at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC). ARMC is the 12th clinic to join NCSCC, the state’s first and only network of comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) clinics, and the second SCD clinic to offer multi-disciplinary care to adults living with SCD in San Bernardino County and its surrounding areas.
“Providing Sickle Cell Disease care requires not only medical expertise, but also empathy, patience, and a commitment to advocating for our patients. We’re talking about a complex, chronic condition that affects not only the physical health of our patients, but also their social health and well-being,” said Ziad Khan, M.D., Oncologist and Hematologist, ARMC and City of Hope. “Our team is dedicated to working collaboratively with every patient, and their families, to develop a treatment plan that addresses all the aspects of our patients’ lives and ensures the best quality of life.”
There are approximately 7,000 adults living with SCD in California. San Bernardino County is one of the most affected communities in the state having the second largest population affected by this disease, following Los Angeles County. The ARMC clinic aims to serve the estimated 530 known individuals living with the disease who reside in San Bernardino County. The clinic provides comprehensive hematology and infusion treatments and is staffed by physicians and mid-level practitioners from City of Hope. Additionally, the clinic will staff dedicated RN care managers, a social worker, and program coordinator to oversee the clinic and patients served.
“I am proud to support the establishment of not only one but two Sickle Cell Disease clinics in our district,” said Majority Leader Eloise Gomez Reyes (D-Colton). “The clinic at ARMC is a testament to the importance of investing in the health and well-being of the community and how we can make a real difference in the lives of adults living with this long neglected disease. It’s the perfect example of a program that is making a direct impact to improve health equity in our state.”
The NCSCC model of care, a full collaboration between community and health care services, is helping those living with SCD, for the first time, experience continuity of care and the prevention of devastating complications that result in avoidable emergency room visits or hospitalizations due to pain or severe anemia. In only 3 years, NCSCC has reduced emergency department treatment and release visits by 11%, hospitalizations by 20%, and total length of hospitalization stays (days) by 50%. When NCSCC is fully operational, savings in reimbursable health care costs will exceed $50 million annually.
“Three years ago, our goal was to open five clinics in the state. Today, Networking California for Sickle Cell Care proudly welcomes ARMC as the 12th clinic to join this historic network,” said Mary Brown, President and CEO, Sickle Cell Disease Foundation. “We’d like to thank ARMC for recognizing the incredible need to improve sickle cell care and coordination. Through these partnerships, adults with Sickle Cell Disease who have been neglected for far too long finally have access to wrap around support services with their health care providers and community health workers. These efforts undoubtedly save lives.”
The adult sickle cell clinic at ARMC is located at 400 N. Pepper Avenue, Colton, California and is now accepting patients. If you or a loved one is in need of care, or if you are interested in learning more about NCSCC, visit or follow @TheNCSCC on Facebook and Twitter.