New York City-based One Brooklyn Health has launched Ready Set Sickle, a virtual reality educational game that teaches patients, families and community members about sickle cell disease.
The health system’s Comprehensive Sickle Cell Program developed the game with funding from a New York state grant. The interactive experience covers how the condition affects daily life and why awareness, early intervention and compassionate care matter.
One Brooklyn Health said sickle cell disease affects many people in the communities it serves, yet the condition remains widely misunderstood.
“Education is an important part of empowering patients and families affected by sickle cell disease,” said Kusum Viswanathan, MD, chief medical officer of One Brooklyn Health and chair of the department of pediatrics. “Ready Set Sickle allows us to make that education more engaging and accessible while building greater understanding of sickle cell disease throughout our community.”
The sickle cell program has treated patients for more than 50 years and currently cares for about 700 children and adults at Brookdale Hospital Medical Center and Interfaith Medical Center. Its multidisciplinary team includes board-certified hematologists, nurses, social workers, transition navigators and child life specialists who coordinate individualized treatment plans.
Ready Set Sickle is available through the Virtual Resource Center on the program’s webpage.
One Brooklyn Health, a safety-net system, operates Brookdale, Interfaith and Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, along with 12 ambulatory care centers and two nursing homes.
