Children and teenagers with sickle cell disease face many barriers beyond health-care challenges.
An estimated 700 children and teenagers in the St. Louis metro area have sickle cell disease.
And fewer than 25 percent of these kids graduate from high school or find more than an entry-level job.
Most of them are unable to pursue higher education at a college or vocational school.
In an effort to help teenagers with sickle cell disease complete high school and find a rewarding job through mentoring and leadership training, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently awarded the Sickle Cell Disease Medical Treatment and Education Center at the University a $24,683 grant.
“With this grant, Senator Talent has helped us take an important first step to help those at very high risk for failure to live independent lives,” said Michael R. DeBaun, M.D., director of the sickle cell disease center and associate professor of pediatrics and of biostatistics.
The grant, which was sponsored by Sen. Jim Talent, will also enhance Camp Crescent, an over night summer camp for kids ages 9-13 who have sickle cell disease.
The free five-day summer program, created and directed by DeBaun and his team, provides fun and educational activities.
Camp Crescent is the only camp in the metropolitan area created to meet the unique medical, physical and emotional needs of children with sickle cell disease.