HHS has expanded its regional sickle cell disease care network from five to seven regions through a new program administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration.
The Sickle Cell Disease Regional Care Excellence Program funds regional coordinating hubs designed to help patients access specialty care and community services closer to home, according to an Oct. 20 HHS news release.
Each hub will work with at least three spokes, each consisting of a clinical center and one or more community-based organizations. HRSA also plans to contract with an organization to provide national training, technical assistance and coordination for community-based groups, community health workers and health centers, the release said.
“Approximately 100,000 people in the United States live with sickle cell disease,” HHS said in the release. “Early and ongoing treatment can prevent or reduce serious complications, yet many people face barriers to preventive care, specialty services, and disease-modifying therapies. The SoRCE Program aims to improve access and quality of care while tracking indicators of quality of life.”
