Sickle Cell and School: A Guide to School Policy and Best Practices

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a collective name for a series of serious inherited chronic conditions that can affect all systems of the body. It is one of the most common genetic conditions in the world, but is considered a rare disease in the US. Sickle cell disease is associated with episodes of severe pain called sickle cell painful crises. The School’s Role Sickle cell is not a benign illness and requires life long medical care. Students will have complications that will inevitably show up at school or affect their attendance. It is very important that all school staff that interact with the student not only understand the severity of the illness, but feel confident in how to handle possible complications. Although your student has a chronic illness, it is also your role to help them feel safe, normal, and loved. They are more than SCD and want to be treated just like everyone else whnever possible.   Abstract source