Sickle Cell | LA Center for Bleeding & Clotting Disorders

Our History:
The Sickle Cell Center of Southern Louisiana (SCCSL) grew out of a sickle cell clinic initiated by Gerald Williams and Maeola Jones in 1979. Mr. Williams was the Director of the New Orleans Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation at the time, and Ms. Maeola Jones the pediatric nurse for sickle cell. Patients were initially seen at the routine weekly pediatric and adult hematology clinics at Charity Hospital, where Ms. Jones provided particular attention to sickle cell issues. In 1984 the adult and pediatric clinics were combined, and the Sickle Cell Center of Southern Louisiana was established, which has been providing comprehensive care for patients with sickle cell disease from birth into adulthood since. The impact of comprehensive sickle cell care is reflected by a significantly improved life expectancy. While the life expectancy of someone with sickle cell disease was estimated to be in their 20s in the 1970s, we now take care of individuals well into their 60’s and beyond. We continue to be aware and committed to advance the care of our patients. The results of their efforts are reflected in observing the increase in average lifespan for people with sickle cell disease, which was only 14 years until 1973. Currently, life expectancy for these patients can reach 50 years and over. However, there is a need for a more research and work to ensure that these patients live normal productive life.

Our Mission:

The mission of the Sickle Cell Center of South Louisiana (SCCSL) at Tulane University School of Medicine, is to provide comprehensive medical care to patients with sickle cell disease integrated with extensive patient education to ensure prevention, prompt recognition and management of long-term complications and facilitate improved quality of life; achieved by collaborative efforts of specialists, primary care providers and other members of our healthcare team.

Our Goal

Provide the best quality of care to our patients, in addition to establishing a relationship with the patient’s primary care provider to ensure the best continuity of care.
Help sickle cell patients obtain access to appropriate resources within the community to improve and increase their support system.
Conduct clinical research so that our patients can have access to the latest treatments for sickle cell disease.
Reduce medical complications caused by sickle cell disease, including hospitalizations, by training healthcare providers in various specialties on the needs and treatments for patients with sickle cell.

Research:

Sickle cell disease research has increased over the years, and this research has allowed physicians to effectively treat patients with new treatments. Research has opened the doors to many options for people with sickle cell disease to help them live healthier, happier, lives.

We participate in various interventional and observational clinical trials, in order to better improve outcomes, and treatments for patients with sickle cell.