KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Ahead of World Sickle Cell Day this Friday, Bronson Healthcare is highlighting its continued progress in expanding coordinated, specialized care for children and adults living with sickle cell disease in southwest Michigan.
Categorized as a rare disease, an estimated 100,000 people in the U.S. have the inherited blood disorder. Sickle cell disease can lead to severe pain, anemia, infections, organ damage and other serious health complications
Bronson has received approximately $300,000 in state funding since 2023 to strengthen care for patients living with sickle cell disease, with a heavy focus on the pediatric population. The latest award, an $80,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, will support continued expansion of that work, but with special attention to adult patients.
Bronson cares for approximately 120 patients with sickle cell disease, from birth through age 72. Pediatric patients are seen at Bronson Methodist Hospital, with an additional pediatric satellite monthly clinic in St. Joseph, Michigan.
Hospital officials say the latest grant will be used to fund additional dedicated nursing staff, expand staff education and help more patients access Children’s Special Health Care Services coverage and multidisciplinary support.
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