Advancing Sickle Cell Care in Minnesota

Since 1988, the Minnesota Newborn Screening Program at MDH has been instrumental in identifying children born with sickle cell disease (SCD). The program also ensures that children and their families are connected to specialists with the expertise to provide specialized care.

However, a 2014 report, Advancing Health Equity in Minnesota, noted that although MDH has allocated funds and efforts to address diseases affecting the white population, less emphasis is placed on issues primarily affecting populations of color, including SCD. For those living with SCD in Minnesota, this can lead to a variety of adverse health outcomes, most concerning of which is a decrease in life expectancy.