Richmond County Announces Groundbreaking Sickle Cell & Mental Health Care Program

A new program in Richmond County combines medical training and mental health support for those with sickle cell disease. The Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia leads this first-of-its-kind effort.

Starting Oct. 10, the free program will run at the Richmond County School Transportation Assembly Room. State officials, medical staff, and school workers will join forces to boost patient outcomes through this new approach.

"This partnership is truly historic," said Tabatha McGee, CEO of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, according to East Central Georgiaz News. "For the first time in Richmond County, providers, schools, and legislators are coming together to ensure that people living with sickle cell disease receive not only quality medical care but also critical mental health support."

The project unites the foundation with state Rep. Karlton Howard, local schools, and Lamar Medical Center. Their shared goal is to tackle both physical and mental health needs of patients. Such a wide-ranging team has never worked together on sickle cell care before.

Howard's backing comes from personal experience. "The personal loss of my grandson to sickle cell anemia provides a continuous drive for my advocacy," Howard said to WRDW. "This partnership marks another significant step toward providing much-needed aid for those affected by this devastating disease."

Success here could spark similar programs across Georgia. Medical staff will get specialized instruction, while schools will gain tools to assist students with the condition. 

Located at 4950 Mike Padgett Highway, the site will host training and support meetings.