Sickle Cell Consortium kicks off National Minority Health Month in Atlanta with 10th Annual Leadership Summit
As advocates push for more coordinated care, research, and policy around sickle cell disease, Atlanta will host two national gatherings next month focused on the gaps that remain for patients and families.
The Sickle Cell Consortium will hold its 10th annual Leadership Summit from April 7-11 at the Westin Atlanta Airport, followed by the Unified Action Forum on April 11-12, a joint convening with the Sickle Cell Disease Coalition.
The events are expected to bring together patients, caregivers, community advocates, clinicians, researchers, industry representatives, and policymakers for discussions about leadership, access, collaboration, and long-term strategy in the sickle cell space.
The meetings come at a time when many advocates say people living with sickle cell disease continue to face uneven care, limited resources, and longstanding systemic barriers, despite growing national attention around the inherited blood disorder, which disproportionately affects Black Americans.
Organizers say the Leadership Summit will focus on community leadership and patient-centered advocacy, while the Unified Action Forum is intended to connect a wider range of stakeholders around shared priorities and coordinated action.
Dr. Lakiea J. Bailey, founder and executive director of the Sickle Cell Consortium, said the goal is to move beyond isolated conversations and create stronger alignment across the field.
“This moment represents more than a convening; it represents alignment,” Bailey said in a statement. “By bringing together leadership, community voice, and national strategy in one coordinated effort, we are creating space for real progress and collective impact.”
The summit marks the consortium’s 10th year hosting the event. Pfizer Pharmaceuticals is listed as the event’s impact sponsor.
The Sickle Cell Consortium is a national organization focused on advocacy, education, and research engagement. The Sickle Cell Disease Coalition is a network of organizations working to improve outcomes for people affected by sickle cell disease through education, awareness and policy coordination.
Registration is now open for both events on the Sickle Cell Consortium’s website
