Sickle Cell

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a term to describe a group of inherited disorders of the red blood cells, is among the most prevalent of genetic diseases in the United States. While most common among African-Americans in the United States, individuals with heritage from Spanish-speaking regions of the Western Hemisphere (South America, Cuba and Central America), Saudi Arabia, India and Mediterranean countries such as Turkey, Greece and Italy may also be affected.  It is estimated that eight percent of the African-American population carries the gene for sickle cell trait.  More than 1,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease each year. 

The Sickle Cell Services Program at the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), in partnership with a network of funded projects, works to 1) ensure access to quality, comprehensive sickle cell services for newborns, children and adults; and 2) promote public and professional awareness related to sickle cell disease and other hemoglobin disorders. The primary functions and responsibilities of the Program are to:

• Provide grant funding to four hospital and three community-based facilities to assure access to comprehensive care and services for individuals affected by sickle cell disease and other hemoglobin disorders;
• Establish standards and criteria, monitor and evaluate grant funded projects to assure the provision of quality sickle cell-related care, services and programs;
• Promote regional and statewide networking, collaboration, coordination and utilization of all sickle cell-related services in Ohio;
• Assure provisino of confirmatory testing, counseling, treatment and follow-up services for newborns identified through the Newborn Screening Program and other individuals identified with abnormal hemoglobin test results; and
• Increase public and professional awareness and education related to sickle cell disease and other hemoglobin disorders for health professionals, patients/families and the public.

The ODH Sickle Cell Services Program is part of the Genetics Section located in the Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps.  In addition to the Sickle Cell Services Program, the section includes the Genetics Services Program, the Metabolic Formula Program and the Ohio Connections for Children with Special Needs.

Mailing address:
Ohio Department of Health
Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps
Sickle Cell Services Program
246 North High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215

Telephone: (614) 466-1549
Fax: (614) 728-3616

E-mail: BCMH@odh.ohio.gov

Last Updated: 09/08/2008