Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) are lifelong genetic conditions impacting quality of life and access to care. New Jersey ranks among the top ten states in SCD prevalence, with new cases identified annually through newborn screening. Despite therapeutic advancements, individuals face persistent barriers, including limited access to specialists, delayed treatment, and psychosocial burdens, especially during high-risk pediatric to adult transitions. The SCD/SCT ECHO program aims to address these challenges by strengthening provider competency, empowering patients and caregivers, and promoting culturally responsive, coordinated care statewide. 

This initiative will implement ongoing workforce development, patient and caregiver education, and community awareness activities through three coordinated learning tracks*:

• The Provider-focused Track will strengthen primary care capacity and interprofessional collaboration through case-based learning and continuing education.
• The Patient and Caregiver-focused Track will enhance knowledge, self-management, and transition readiness through accessible group and one-on-one education (simultaneous Spanish interpretation offered on Zoom, as well as Spanish and Haitian Creole translation of materials).
• The Community-focused Track will increase awareness, reduce stigma, and connect individuals and families to local and statewide resources (simultaneous Spanish interpretation offered on Zoom, as well as Spanish and Haitian Creole translation of materials).

Together, these tracks will create a sustainable model for continuous learning and support that advances equitable, coordinated care for individuals and families affected by SCD and SCT across New Jersey.

*All tracks are open to everyone, and only one registration is required to attend all sessions in this ECHO series.