Sickle Cell Collaborative Redefines Holistic Care

Carilion Clinic recently announced its newly established Sickle Cell Collaborative. The first of its kind in the region, the adult collaborative clinic was made possible through grant funding from the Virginia Department of Health. The grant enables Carilion’s Sickle Cell Collaborative providers to deliver seamless tracking and collaborative care to patients living with sickle cell disease, which is most common in African American and Hispanic American populations.  

Sickle cell disease, named for the crescent-shaped red blood cells it causes, can create blockages that limit the flow of oxygen to different parts of the body. Sickle cell patients need lifelong, comprehensive care. The collaborative offers patients an opportunity to create a care plan that addresses individualized complexities of sickle cell disease. 

“This collaborative has placed Carilion at the forefront of sickle cell management,” said Angela Venuto-Ashton, M.D., hospitalist with Carilion. “As a pioneering authority within the region, the collaborative is in a unique position to provide personalized care and unwavering support.” 

Based in Roanoke, the collaborative puts a special emphasis on continuity of care as patients navigate the transitional periods between different providers. Specialists in hematology, oncology, pain management, pediatrics and other departments unite through an interdisciplinary approach to care. This approach allows the collaborative to offer cooperative treatment planning and coordinated care.  

The Sickle Cell Collaborative is also home to a support group that provides a welcoming space for patients and caregivers. Building rapport and familiarity among patients, caregivers and clinicians, the support group is another source of communal care in the framework of the collaborative. 

Learn more about the collaborative at CarilionClinic.org/sicklecell.