FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Funding for UIC Sickle Cell Center on Chopping Block

Chicago, IL July 24, 2015 - Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic
blood disorder in the US, affecting between 90,000-100,000 people nationally
and 4000-5000 in Illinois. The disease causes changes in the shape of red blood
cells that carry oxygen in the body, causing severe pain episodes that are
unplanned, unpredictable, and reoccurring. Over the long term, sickle cell
disease can result in kidney failure, cardiac function failure, pulmonary disease,
bone disease, leg ulcers, and death. Due to limited treatment options, patients
are forced to seek treatment in costly emergency rooms to manage their pain
and are frequently admitted to the hospital.
The University of Illinois at Chicago Sickle Cell Center is a regional leader in
sickle cell treatment, delivering care to almost 1000 unique adult and pediatric
sickle cell patients throughout the state. With funding from the state of Illinois,
the Sickle Cell Center was able to open an acute care clinic that provided
outpatient care to sickle cell patients that reduced the need for costly emergency
room visits and hospitalizations. Despite the success of the Sickle Cell Center,
state funding for the center has been eliminated in the proposed state budget.
The UIC Sickle Cell Center Director, Dr. Victor Gordeuk states Further cuts to
the Sickle Cell Center budget will be devastating, it will directly impact our ability
to maintain the acute care infusion clinic and decrease the quality of care
provided to sickle cell patients.
Students form the University of Illinois College of Medicine are mounting a
campaign urging state legislators to restore funding to the Sickle Cell Center.
Additionally, the students are supporting HR0255, urging the Department of
Health & Family Services to exempt sickle cell disease from the 30-day
readmission rule. This will insure that hospitals receive the proper
reimbursement necessary to provide a high level of care to sickle cell patients.
For more information on the UIC Sickle Cell Center initiative, visit:
http:// hpa432papsicklecell.weebly.com
Contact:
Adrian Boscolo-Hightower
abosco4@uic.edu
808 S Wood St
Chicago, IL 60612
TEL: 206-425-3877