SCASL announces clinical partnership at community reception on World Sickle Cell Awareness Day
Date: 06/19/19
Baton Rouge, LA (June 19, 2019) – At a community reception celebrating World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, held today in Baton Rouge, the Sickle Cell Association of South Louisiana (SCASL) announced a unique clinical partnership designed to improve health outcomes for individuals diagnosed with the incurable disease.
In partnership with Louisiana Healthcare Connections, a Healthy Louisiana Medicaid health plan, the SCASL will enroll eligible individuals living with Sickle Cell within its 11-parish service region in a unique care management program. These individuals will receive personalized services from Louisiana Healthcare Connections’ clinically trained Care Management team and health education and support from the health plan’s team of Community Health Workers. These services will be provided in conjunction with the broad range of social service programs, outreach activities and educational support offered by the SCASL.
The partnership is the result of a 2018 Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant awarded to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. (SCDDA). The grant totaled $2.9 million per year for four years to support the development of community-based infrastructures to ensure care coordination and follow-up services for individuals diagnosed with Sickle Cell. The SCASL was one of 16 community-based organizations across 15 states chosen to receive funding for the development of local infrastructure, and chose Louisiana Healthcare Connections as its partner.
“The goal is to ensure that those living with Sickle Cell have access to the highest quality of coordinated care, and that this care is carefully integrated with community-level social service programs to overcome any social determinants of health that may be preventing them from receiving or following treatment,” said Lorri Burgess, SCASL Chief Executive Officer. “We are excited to partner with Louisiana Healthcare Connections to make this level of integrated, coordinated care available to the individuals and families who need them, and we felt it was very appropriate to announce this partnership on World Sickle Cell Awareness Day.”
“This partnership with the Sickle Cell Association of South Louisiana will enable us to work proactively and collaboratively to ensure that those with Sickle Cell receive the highest quality of coordinated care through integrated care management and social services,” said Marcus Wallace, MD, MBA, Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs for Louisiana Healthcare Connections. “We are pleased to have this opportunity to work with such a valuable community partner to help those diagnosed with this disease to become more empowered about their condition and their health.”
In addition to the partnership announcement, the SCASL shared information about Ryan’s Run for Sickle Cell Anemia, the organization’s premier event. Scheduled for Aug. 24, 2019, in Baton Rouge, the 5K/1 mile run/walk is designed to both bring awareness to Sickle Cell and to raise funds to support the SCASL’s many social service and support programs. Honorary Ryan’s Run Chairperson and former NFL and Louisiana State University football player Ryan Clark was on hand to promote the event.
“I am excited to continue our work with the Sickle Cell Association of South Louisiana community and support the amazing Sickle Cell Warriors who battle this sickness every day,” Clark said.
To learn more about Ryan’s Run, to volunteer or to register to run, please visit www.runsignup.com/Race/LA/BatonRouge/RyansRun.
About the Sickle Cell Association of South Louisiana
The mission of the Sickle Cell Association of South Louisiana is to provide financial support services to medically needy individuals diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease; to promote local and national research in support of a cure; and to provide treatment support to enhance the quality of life for those suffering from this incurable disease. The Sickle Cell Association of South Louisiana serves 11 parishes: Ascension, Assumption, East and West Baton Rouge, East and West Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, and Greater New Orleans. For more information, please visit www.scasl.org.