Policymakers Reintroduce Legislation to Fund Nationwide SCD Treatment Center Network

Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), along with Reps. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Danny Davis (D-Ill.) and Alma Adams (D-N.C.), reintroduced legislation that aims to improve access to care for Americans with sickle cell disease (SCD).

The Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Centers Act seeks to close gaps in SCD care by establishing a National Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Centers Grant Program. The program would use a “hub-and-spoke” model, enabling existing SCD treatment centers to expand their services to more accessible community health centers.

Additionally, the legislation will fund the creation of a National Sickle Cell Disease Coordinating Center. This center would work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to collect data, coordinate the national treatment network and share best practices and educational materials.

AABB is monitoring the progress of this legislation and will provide updates to members as it advances.