ROCKHILL, S.C. - TheNorth Center Family Medicine, also known as Community Medicine Foundation, today announced it is leading a statewide effort to test students for sickle cell disease at eight South Carolina-based Historically Black Universities and Colleges (HBCUs), local schools, and members of local churches.
Sickle cell disease disproportionately affects the Black community due to genetic predisposition. It is estimated that 1 in 365 Black or African Americans born in the United States are affected by sickle cell disease. Moreover, historical disparities in healthcare access and treatment options have further exacerbated the burden of sickle cell disease on the Black community, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness, resources, and support to address this health disparity.
“We are proud that our patients have been positively impacted by our health center and the Sickle Cell Disease Support Group,” said Ernest Brown, CEO of North Central Family Medicine. “Our core mission is to provide affordable and accessible primary medical care to surrounding, medically underserved communities of York, Chester, and Lancaster counties.”
North Central Family Medicine has conducted more than 660 Sickle Cell tests since April 2023. They serve over 10,000 patients annually, 69% of whom are between the ages of 18 and 64, and nearly 73% from racial minorities.
“I see so much to be gained by efforts to help the community through sickle cell testing and the awareness program, especially by reaching out to student populations,” said Dr. Roosevelt Daniel, Medical Director of North Central Family Medicine. “There are critical benefits to early diagnosis and treatment. Thanks to efforts from the support group, we are providing significant help and saving lives.”
As of today, the Sickle Cell Disease Support Group has partnered with two HBCUs, Vorhees University and Clinton College. Partnerships with six additional HBCUs – Allen University, Benedict College, Claflin University, Denmark Technical College, Morris College, and South Carolina State University – are anticipated by the end of May.
North Central Family Medicine is leveraging data analytics and AI technologies to aid the expansion of the support group. “Incorporating AI into the patient awareness process can positively impact sickle cell patients and change how health centers serve their patients,” said Jeremy Williams, CEO of SaNDAI Global and support group technology manager. “The Sickle Cell Disease Support Group website allows users to learn about sickle cell disease via free micro-tutorials we designed using generative AI technology to improve patient services and their experiences.” The free micro-tutorials are available at: https://ncfmc.sicklecell.sandailearningcenter.com/courses.
North Central Family Medicine is currently assembling an HIV Support Group to expand the testing services currently being offered to patients. The HIV Support Group will begin operations in mid-May 2024.
For more information about the Sickle Cell Disease Support Group, visit https://ncfmc.sicklecell.sandailearningcenter.com/home.
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