Gem Johnson

Over 70% of children with sickle cell disease will have an acutely painful episode by the age of 2. Students with SCD miss an estimated 20 to 30 school days per year, compared to the five to seven missed by their healthy peers, due to acute pain, exhaustion and increased susceptibility to illnesses. SCD-related complications can also affect concentration and memory, making it harder for them to keep up even when they are present in school.

In safety-net hospitals like Grady Memorial Hospital, we care for Georgia’s most vulnerable patients at their lowest point. An unexpected heart attack, stroke, kidney infection, or chronic illness flare-upcan quickly spiral into severe health consequences if they are not treated quickly. However, the crisis does not end at discharge.