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 Ohio Department of Health (ODH) funds 2 grant initiatives under the Sickle Cell Services Program:  the Direct Service Initiative and the Statewide Family Support Initiative.  The Program, in partnership with the network of state-funded Regional Sickle Cell Projects (RSCPs) works to:

1. Ensure access to quality, comprehensive sickle cell services for newborns, children and adults; and
2. Promote public and professional awareness and education related to sickle cell disease and other hemoglobin disorders.

At the state level, the ODH Sickle Cell Services Program:

• Provides grant funding to 7 RSCPs;
• Develops standards and criteria for RSCPs;
• Monitors and evaluates services provided by RSCPs;
• Promotes education and awareness related to sickle cell disease and other hemoglobin disorders for health professionals, patients/families and the public; and
• Participates in strategies and networking efforts to increase collaboration, coordination and utilization of all sickle cell-related services in Ohio.

The ODH Sickle Cell Services Program is housed within the Genetics Section located in the Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps.  The Program works in partnership with the Newborn Screening Program, the Genetic Services Program, the Metabolic Formula Program and 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: 09/03/2009