An estimated 90,000 to 100,000 people, mainly African Americans, in the United States are affected by sickle cell disease (SCD), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sickle cells – red blood cells that become hard and sticky and look like a c-shaped farm tool called a sickle – can cause mild to severe pain, infection and other complications.

No single best treatment exists for all people diagnosed with the disease; therefore, education for both health care providers and individuals living with the disease and their families living is important.

Duke University School of Nursing (DUSON) will sponsor and host the fifth annual Sickle Cell Disease Conference on Friday, September 16 and Saturday, September 17. The conference is a joint effort with experts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, East Carolina University, Cone Health System, Carolinas Healthcare System and the Pi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority.

This year’s theme is “Sickle Cell Disease: Empowering, Engaging and Educating.” Day one of the event is targeted towards health care providers, and it will provide knowledge about the common medical and psychosocial complications of SCD.

Day two is targeted towards individuals, families and community members affected by SCD. It will feature content that will not only educate but also empower them to be engaged managing this disease.

National speakers include James Eckman, MD, from Emory University; Wally Smith, MD, from Virginia Commonwealth University; Patricia Kavanagh, MD, from Boston University; and Shirley Miller from Carolinas Healthcare System.

Cost of attendance is $25 per day for health care providers, $10 per day for students and no charge for individuals with sickle cell disease and their family members. Childcare and supervised age-appropriate activities for children 3 to 14 years old will be provided only on day two.

For more information or to register, visit nursing.duke.edu/sickle-cell-disease.