SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Today, 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.[1]
“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 https://sicklecellcare-ca.com/about/ or follow @TheNCSCC on Facebook and Twitter.
About Networking California for Sickle Cell Care
Networking California for Sickle Cell Care (NCSCC) was developed through advocacy and stakeholder engagement supported by data. Learn more by visiting www.sicklecellcare-ca.com
About the Center for Inherited Blood Disorders
The Center for Inherited Blood Disorders (CIBD) has cared for hundreds of children and adults in Southern California, offering a safety net clinic that provides health care services specifically to patients with inherited blood disorders. CIBD has been able to increase access to care for those who are economically challenged by providing medical care regardless of ability to pay. CIBD is also a national leader in directing federal initiatives to promote regional blood disorder networks that provide team-based clinical care and uniformly track health outcomes. Learn more by visiting www.cibd-ca.org.
About the Sickle Cell Disease Foundation
The Sickle Cell Disease Foundation (SCDF) was incorporated in 1957 and is the first and oldest Sickle Cell Disease community-based organization of its kind in the nation. As the only organization in California approved to provide Hemoglobin-Trait Counseling Services and direct the Sickle Cell Educator/Counselor Certification Training Course, SCDF provides life-enhancing education, services and programs for individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease. SCDF broadens public awareness, delivers effective advocacy initiatives, and promotes innovative therapies to ultimately find a cure. Learn more by visiting www.scdfc.org.
About Arrowhead Regional Medical Center
Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) is a 456-bed university-affiliated teaching hospital and safety-net provider for the 2.2 million residents of San Bernardino County. ARMC is home to a Level I verified trauma center, the Edward G. Hirschman Burn Center, a comprehensive stroke center, and a freestanding in-patient behavioral health center. Additionally, ARMC has, five primary care centers including four family health centers, and provides more than 40 outpatient specialty care services. For more information about ARMC visit https://www.arrowheadregional.org/
[1] Horiuchi SS, Zhou M, Snyder A, Paulukonis S. Hematologist Encounters Among Medicaid Patients who have Sickle Cell Disease. Blood Adv. 2022 Jul