Sickle Cell Center (CCS)

The Sickle Cell Center provides sickle cell diagnosis, treatment and long-term health management care from birth through young adulthood. 

Our sickle cell care team offers multi-specialty medical care, including assessment, consultation, treatment and preventative care. Psychosocial programs such as family support, education, community support and school reintegration are uniquely combined into each child’s treatment plan. 

In addition to sickle cell treatment needs, Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute also is heavily involved in research to help find cures and discover new treatments for serious blood disorders.

Sickle Cell Disease 

Sickle cell disease is a genetic (inherited) disorder. Healthy, red blood cells look like round discs. In sickle cell disease, red blood cells are shaped like sickles, or crescent moons. These sickle shaped cells get stuck together and block small blood vessels. This prevents blood from moving as it should, which can lead to pain and organ damage.  

Treatment & Preventative Measures

We are proud to offer distinguished medical programs staffed by a multi-disciplinary pediatrichematology oncology care team, complete withdentists, that provides evidence-based medical care,parent support and education every step of the way.

Blood transfusions are the most common type of treatment for children with sickle cell and act as a preventative measure against childhood stroke. Many patients treated under the Sickle Cell Program may be screened or also are treated in the Stroke Clinic.

Some children may need transfusions every few months, or once a year, while others may need chronic blood transfusions every three to four weeks. Transfusions can reduce the risk of recurrent acute chest syndrome, the number of painful episodes — excruciating pain in the back, extremities, abdomen or chest — and other complications.