In June 2025, Howard University proudly opened the Sickle Cell Wellness Center — the first clinical space of its kind in Washington, D.C., dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care for individuals living with sickle cell disease (SCD).
Developed in partnership by Howard University Hospital, the Faculty Practice Plan, and the Center for Sickle Cell Disease, the Sickle Cell Wellness Center integrates same-day appointments, infusion therapy, routine follow-ups, and personalized treatment plans — all under one roof.
“Our goal is simple: no patient with sickle cell disease should suffer in silence or face unnecessary delays in care,” said Dr. James Taylor, Director of the Howard University Center for Sickle Cell Disease. “This center brings our clinical expertise, research, and compassion under one roof for the people who need it most.”
Sickle cell disease is an inherited disease that affects the red blood cell. Hemoglobin, a protein inside red blood cells, carries oxygen. In SCD, the pieces of hemoglobin can stick together and cause the red blood cells to become distorted (sickling), eventually blocking the flow of blood in the vessels. There are also fewer red blood cells in the system, which causes anemia.
Individuals with SCD often experience significant pain, with many saying it’s worse than the pain associated with pregnancy labor or a broken bone. “It’s a horrible pain, but it’s so much worse than that, because it also deals with your mental state. You have to be really strong to deal with that amount of pain. It’s the amount of pain you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy,” said Ayanna Johnson, a patient with SCD.
Because the source of their pain isn’t always visible, and because of racial discrimination and biases, people with SCD can face poor treatment and be approached with suspicion when they seek care in medical facilities. Their pain is questioned, and they are sometimes accused of drug-seeking, when they are only trying to access quality care for their condition.
Despite long-standing underfunding in sickle cell disease research, recent years have brought meaningful progress in developing new treatment options. However, the lack of specialized centers in SCD, especially in adult care, has led to a disparity in access to treatment by appropriately trained and knowledgeable providers. Dr. Taylor shares that, “We have three FDA approved drugs now, we have transfusion therapy. These four are underutilized, and so my goal is to get patients on treatment, so we keep them away from the hospital.”
As patients with SCD are started and maintained on these therapies, it can be life-altering. Pain medications can be lowered and people with SCD can be more functional in their everyday lives.
Providing clinical care for people with sickle cell disease is a primary goal of the SCWC, but it also provides a place for people with SCD to find support. “Living with sickle cell disease can be an isolating experience and can lead to feelings of depression. You may miss family gatherings, important social events, and holiday celebrations because of an acute pain episode or because you are in the hospital. Being around others with similar experiences can be empowering, as you find solutions together, develop friendships, and it can positively impact your mental well-being,” says Barbara Harrison, genetic counselor and Assistant Director of Community Outreach and Education for the Center.
The SCWC plans to host events that bring patients together, provide education, and celebrate their triumphs in overcoming the challenges of living with SCD.
Staying true to the community engagement mission of the HU Center for Sickle Cell Disease, the Center has also recently expanded its sickle cell and hemoglobinopathy screening program. Monthly screenings in the lobby of Howard University Hospital, on the first Thursday from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, will continue. With supplemental funding from the Maryland Department of Health, the Center is also hosting screening events throughout Maryland, including Charles, Montgomery, and Prince George’s Counties. If a person is identified as having a chance to have a child with sickle cell disease, free consultation by a certified genetic counselor will be offered to discuss clinical impact, reproductive implications and guidance for family members.
For more information and to schedule an appointment at the Sickle Cell Wellness Center, please call 202-865-6785. If you would like to schedule sickle cell screening at an upcoming health fair or other event, please reach out at sicklecell@howard.edu.