Loma Linda University Health was awarded a significant $2.2 million research grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to further advance efforts in improving the treatment and quality of life of youth and young adults with sickle cell disease (SCD). The grant comes from the HRSA to help more systematically address maternal health disparities. Lisa Roberts, DrPH, MSN, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, research director at Loma Linda University School of Nursing, is leading the initiatives to implement the $2.2 million into LLUH’s system.
SCD, a group of inherited red blood cell disorders, affects millions of people globally and disproportionately impacts communities of color. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that San Bernardino County houses the second-most people living with SCD in California. The TDP (Treatment Demonstration Program) grant is dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals living with SCD by increasing access to comprehensive, coordinated, and quality care.
The grant allows Roberts and her interdisciplinary team made up of investigators from Behavioral Health and Medicine to focus on enhancing the quality of care for SCD patients ages 12–25 and address the lack of reproductive health education resources for this age group. She says this is critically important as patients with SCD face some of the highest maternal health risks.
“Transitioning into adulthood is already difficult for all youth,” Roberts says. “Imagine how much more stressful this becomes when also navigating a complex chronic illness, a high-risk pregnancy, and a complicated healthcare system. That’s why it’s important to provide proper resources for young people with SCD.”
The grant outlines the two primary objectives that Loma Linda University Health is set to tackle:
Goal 1: Expand maternal health disparity research and develop community-based solutions in partnership with community-based organizations (CBOs)
Objective 1: Mixed-methods study (strengths and needs assessment)
Objective 2: Sickle cell disease/trait awareness, screening, and genetic counseling
Objective 3: Reproductive health education and life skills intervention
Goal 2: Increase maternal health disparity research capacity at LLUH
Objective 1: Develop a sickle cell trait database
Objective 2: Develop a comprehensive perinatal care protocol
Objective 3: Develop a parallel perinatal pathway for patients and loved ones
Objective 4: Train interdisciplinary maternal healthcare teams
The $2.2 million grant from the HRSA is a testament to the commitment of Loma Linda University Health to address maternal health disparities and the unique needs of individuals living with SCD. It will enable the institution to establish innovative programs and services, expand its network of trained interdisciplinary healthcare professionals, and advance research and clinical practices in the field of reproductive health and SCD treatment.
“The success of this grant depends on the vital contributions and close collaboration of my team and CBO partners. We are all very passionate and excited to help young people,” Roberts said. “It presents a remarkable opportunity to advance our research in the field of SCD care and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected.”
The original version of this story was posted on the Loma Linda University Health website.
