Health News – Page 2

Unlocking the Power of Mental Exercise: A Guide for African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease

October 26, 2023 by GRAAHI Editorial

Living with sickle cell disease can present unique challenges for African Americans. The physical symptoms and complications associated with the condition can take a toll on both the body and mind. While physical exercise is often emphasized for managing the disease, the power of mental exercise should not be overlooked. In this article, we will explore the importance of mental exercise for African Americans with sickle cell disease and how it can empower individuals to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Benefits of mental exercise for African Americans with sickle cell disease

Mental exercise offers numerous benefits for individuals living with sickle cell disease. Firstly, it helps to alleviate stress and anxiety, which are common among sickle cell patients. By engaging in activities that require focus and concentration, individuals can experience a sense of calm and relaxation. Secondly, mental exercise can improve memory and

The importance of mental exercise for sickle cell patients

Sickle cell disease not only affects the physical well-being of individuals, but it can also impact their mental health. The constant pain, fatigue, and limitations can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and depression. This is where mental exercise plays a crucial role. Engaging in activities that stimulate the mind, such as puzzles, reading, or learning new skills, can help divert attention from the physical discomfort and provide a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Mental exercise can improve cognitive function, boost mood, and enhance overall well-being for African Americans with sickle cell. Regular engagement in mentally stimulating activities can help sharpen the mind and promote mental agility. Lastly, mental exercise promotes a positive mindset and enhances overall well-being. It provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment, boosting self-esteem and confidence.

Types of mental exercises

There are various types of mental exercises that can be beneficial for African Americans with sickle cell. One popular option is solving puzzles, such as crosswords, Sudoku, or word searches. These activities challenge the brain and improve problem-solving skills. Another option is reading. Whether it’s books, magazines, or online articles, reading stimulates the mind. Learning new skills, such as playing a musical instrument, painting, or cooking, is also an excellent way to engage the mind and nurture creativity. Lastly, meditation and mindfulness exercises can help promote a sense of calm and well-being.

Incorporating mental exercise into daily routine

Incorporating mental exercise into the daily routine is crucial for sickle cell management. It is essential to set aside dedicated time for mental stimulation. This can be done by scheduling specific activities – at least one a day. Variety is key! Be adventurous in trying new things.

Effective mental exercises Tips:

Start with manageable activities: Begin with activities that are enjoyable and not too challenging. This will help build confidence and motivation.
Vary the activities: Engage in a variety of mental exercises to keep the mind stimulated and prevent boredom. Mix puzzles,
reading, and learning new skills for a well-rounded mental exercise routine.
Take breaks when needed: It is important to listen to the body and take breaks when necessary. Pushing through fatigue or pain can hinder the effectiveness of mental exercise..
Stay consistent: Consistency is key for reaping the benefits of mental exercise. Set realistic goals and commit to regular practice.

Empowering African Americans with sickle cell disease through mental exercise Mental exercise is a powerful tool for African Americans living with sickle cell disease. By engaging in activities that stimulate the mind, individuals can experience numerous benefits, including reduced stress, improved cognitive function, and enhanced overall well-being. It is crucial for sickle cell patients to incorporate mental exercise into their daily routines and seek support services that focus on mental health. By unlocking the power of mental exercise, African Americans with sickle cell can empower themselves to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Resources and Support for mental exercise for African Americans with sickle cell disease Fortunately, there are various mental health resources available for sickle cell patients to address their unique needs. Mental health professionals, such as psychologists and psychiatrists, provide therapy, counseling, and psychiatric evaluations to help with emotional distress, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Engaging in support groups tailored specifically for sickle cell patients can be immensely beneficial as they create a sense of community and understanding among individuals facing similar challenges. The internet has greatly expanded access to mental health resources and support, including virtual chats and forums. Many hospitals and medical centers now recognize the importance of mental health support for sickle cell patients and have integrated mental health services into their care plans.

Remember, it is crucial to prioritize mental health support alongside the physical aspect of sickle cell disease to ensure holistic and effective sickle cell care/management!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: The Importance of Breast Screening for Women of Color

October 17, 2023 by Barbara Lash

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, and it can affect anyone at any age. However, women of color are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer and dying from the disease.

Statistics on Breast Cancer Rates Among Women of Color

Black women have a 40% higher death rate from breast cancer than white women, even though their incidence rate is slightly lower.
Hispanic women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a later stage than white women.
Asian women have the lowest incidence rate of breast cancer but are more likely to be diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, which is a more aggressive form of the disease.

Why is Early Detection of Breast Cancer Important?

Early detection of breast cancer is essential for improving survival rates. When breast cancer is found early, it is more treatable and has a better prognosis.

How Does Breast Screening Work?

Breast screening is a series of tests that are used to detect breast cancer early. The most common breast screening tests are mammograms and clinical breast exams.

Mammograms are low-dose X-rays of the breast that can show changes in the breast tissue that may be cancer.
Clinical breast exams are physical exams of the breasts that are performed by a healthcare provider.

Breast Screening for Women of Color

Women of color should talk to their healthcare provider about their individual risk of breast cancer and develop a breast screening plan that is right for them. Some experts recommend that black women start getting mammograms at age 40, instead of the standard age of 50.

Breast Screening Event in Grand Rapids, Michigan

On October 25th, 2023, from 9am to 3pm, there will be a breast screening event at Pilgrim Rest MBC in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The event will feature the mobile mammogram unit from Trinity Health Michigan.

To schedule an appointment for a mammogram at the event, go to https://www.trinityhealthmichigan.org/classes-and-events/mobile-mammography-unit or call 855-559-7179 (Request Mobile Unit > Grand Rapids > Preferred Date & Time)

Pathways Program Update: College Tours & Hands-On Experiences Foster Curiosity in Healthcare Careers

October 30, 2023April 25, 2023 by GRAAHI Editorial

By Mikisha Plesco, Director of Education

This past 2022-2023 school year, the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI) Pathways program has partnered with the Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS), University Preparatory Academy and Ottawa High School and colleges and universities to provide students who are interested in a healthcare track the opportunity to complete a college tour focusing on college/university health programs. The hands-on experience that students were able to garner from the college tour created a lifelong impact.

In October 2022, Grand Rapids Community College kicked off the college visits by having students walk through a series of lab simulations that include the following fields: medical assisting, nursing, and occupational therapy. Students were able to use healthcare equipment such as syringes, lab dummy patients, stethoscopes, and various therapy equipment. What was important about the GRCC visits were the personal journeys that were told by the health professionals regarding their healthcare journey.

In January 2023, Davenport University hosted a college visit that focused on health activities: nursing and research query. Students had a chance to interact with equipment as well as a data set and reviewed data mining tools. Students’ various activities for the data set reviewed the rudimentary data sets as well as complex data such as music playlists. The information provided was relatable to students and engaging. Davenport University provided a unique opportunity for the student nurse association to present as well as have a presentation on their admission process.

In March 2023, Ferris State University hosted a college visit that focused on nursing and dentistry. Students were able to walk through the history of dentistry, put teeth in a mold based on the anatomy of teeth, walked through a live dentist clinic, and interact in the nurse lab simulation space. The students had a chance to talk with a student and their experience of Ferris as well as hear about their various health programs.

The unique experience that each college/university sparked student comments of wanting to continue the learning opportunities, wanting to see more on the campus, and enjoying presentations by students. The real opportunity that the colleges and universities are providing to each student is the opportunity to be excited about attending and being a part of a community that supports them in a healthcare track as well as getting students comfortable with being on campus. Having a sense of familiarity on campus and seeing the culture of the campus in the healthcare programs helps students to reimagine themselves on campus and ignites a sense of belonging prior to attending college. GRAAHI is truly grateful to GRPS school administrators, participating colleges and universities, and students and families that have participated in these healthcare college tours. The tours are truly making a difference in the joint communities we serve. GRAAHI looks forward to next year as we continue the healthcare college tours with a Fall 2023 kickoff with Grand Valley State University.

To learn more about Pathways, go to graahi.com/education.

The Wisdom of a Healthy Heart

March 2, 2023 by Ashlie Jones

By: Ashlie Jones, Health Initiatives & Community Engagement Manager

In less than two months into 2023, African Americans have had several history making events. Actress Viola Davis joins the ranks as the newest recipient of an EGOT status;Lebron James solidified himself as the NBA’s All-Time Leading Scorer highest scorer; and songstress Beyonce Knowles-Carter with an all-time record for most GRAMMY wins. It is easy to say that we are off to a great start and each of them have secured their space in Black History.

In addition to Black History Month, February is also known as American Heart Month, focusing on cardiovascular health and raising awareness about heart disease. This month is earmarked by events such as “National Wear Red Day” which brings greater attention to heart disease as a leading cause of death for Americans, especially African Americans.

According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, In 2019, African Americans were 24 percent less likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic whites. Although African American adults are 20 percent more likely to have high blood pressure, they are less likely than non-Hispanic whites to have their blood pressure under control. African American women are nearly 60 percent more likely to have high blood pressure, as compared to non-Hispanic white women. Those statistics were already troubling before the onset of a global pandemic. So, one can imagine just how much more important education and awareness would be today.

On January 24, 2023, when Damar Hamlin, the 24-year-old football player for the Buffalo Bills had a heart attack after a tackle, millions watched and prayed as medical workers performed CPR and used an automated external defibrillator to restore his heartbeat. Fortunately, he appears to be recovering well. This prompted many communities to pay more attention to heart disease.

Knowing and understanding the importance of such education, the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI) had the pleasure of partnering with First AME Church and their Abundant Living Ministry to present on the topic of Heart Disease to an audience ranging from 60 to over 90 years of age. With an intimate but engaged group of senior citizens, the conversation organically evolved beginning with an “out of the box” ice breaker. “ What is your superpower and how can it be used to heal a heart?” Very quickly voices began to ring out from all over the room with various responses like “my laughter”, “my empathy”, and one gentleman jokingly mentioning his “completion of my wife’s honey-do list”. The facilitator used these moments as ways to teach how laughter helps to decrease stress, completing household activities increases heart rate and keeps the body moving. All directly impacting the heart and its vulnerability to heart disease.

Research shows that several health conditions, including your lifestyle, age, and family history can increase your risk for heart disease. According to the Center for Disease Control, about half of all Americans (47%) have at least 1 of 3 key risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. The challenge is that some of these risk factors, such as your age and genetics, can not be controlled. But intentional steps can be taken to lower your risk of heart disease by changing the factors you can control.

One of those major risk factors is STRESS!!! Did you know that African-American women are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of race-related stress? Furthermore, stress can cause arteries to narrow, make it harder to lose weight and raise blood pressure. These criteria immediately put one at risk for heart attack, even at a young age.

As the conversation continued, the wisdom of the cornerstones of our community began to flow liberally. They shared ways the younger generations could take action to reduce stress. They spoke of breathing techniques, exercise, journaling, talking and laughing with friends, getting outdoors. One participant very firmly expressed “ Learn to slow down and learn to just say NO! You can’t do everything all the time. Pace yourself, you’ll live longer” Now if that is not wisdom, I don’t know what would qualify.

Participants of the Abundant Living group excitedly shared their wisdom and triumphs in making intentional changes to their diets, exercise routines, stress management, activities and self-care practices. All of which can dramatically reduce risks for heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and other diseases that severely impact the African American community. The joy and excitement in the room was palpable as the group witnessed exercise demonstrations and received low impact exercise equipment.

At the conclusion of the session one participant stated “I almost stayed home today because it was cold, but I’m glad I came. My heart would have never been this warm at home alone!” I believe it is safe to say that this event was good for every heart in the room. Some ways to reduce risk of heart disease include, healthy eating, exercising and staying active; managing stress; and keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol under control and if you have any signs of illness, get checked out immediately.

For more information about GRAAHI, go to www.graahi.org.

Research shows health care disparities still prevalent for Black residents

February 21, 2023 by Vanessa Greene

By Vanessa Greene for the Grand Rapids Business Journal – Published February 17, 2023

It’s no secret that historically, health care outcomes for Black people and other non-white Americans have been an area of concern.

These numbers, from longstanding systemic inequities in the health care system, social determinants such as a lack of accessible health care facilities in some communities, to outright discrimination, can leave Black residents less likely to trust doctors and seek proper care. This last point was most evident during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when more Black residents were dying in part due to this distrust of the medical establishment.

At the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute, we recently undertook a much more local approach to this issue and have analyzed state data to showcase the severity of the disparities right here in our backyard of Kent County.

County-level disparities

Led by our research coordinator Andrae Ivy, MPH, we dove into state health care data from 2014 through 2020, examining 17 key health trends — from diabetes and obesity, to cancer, infant mortality and teenage births — and how they impacted Black, white and Hispanic residents in Kent County.

What quickly emerged was a troubling pattern. Among the biggest Kent County trends were:

15.1% of Black residents have diabetes vs. 10% of white residents
Obesity rates were 41.6% for Black residents, compared to 28.5% for white residents and 30.1% for Hispanic residents.
Heart disease mortality rates continue to climb for Black residents, reaching a new high of 541.3 per 100,000 residents. Stroke mortality also grew significantly from 2017 to 2020.
10.2% of Black residents could not see a doctor due to health care costs vs. 8.8% for white residents.
Asthma rate for Black residents was 19% vs. 14.1% for white residents.
Both the prostate cancer rate (135 per 100,000 men) and lung cancer rate (75.9 per 100,000 residents) for Black residents were significantly higher than rates for white residents.
Infant mortality rate was 13.8 per 1,000 births for Black residents, nearly triple the 4.8 per 1,000 births rate for white residents.
Teenage birth rates were much higher for Black residents (32.3 per 1,000 females ages 15-19) and Hispanic residents (27.3), compared to the 7.7 rate for white residents.
Medical debt due to out-of-pocket costs is another major obstacle. According to a 2022 survey of Michigan residents by Epic-MRA and the advocacy group Consumers for Quality Care, among Black voters that have had their household finances seriously affected by medical debt, 80% say they’ve had medical bills go into collections.

Also, 65% of Black voters expressed concern that health care costs will be negatively impacted by long-term effects of COVID-19 in Michigan, compared to 58% of the state’s population overall. And 69% of Black Michiganders are concerned about expected impending loss of health care coverage expanded during the pandemic through the Affordable Care Act, compared to 51% of the state’s population overall.

Addressing inequities

While there is not one easy answer that will close these gaps in health care for Kent County’s Black residents, one thing is clear. Without major improvements to the systems surrounding access to health care in communities of color, these disparities in West Michigan and beyond will continue to persist.

Between changes at insurance companies to improve affordability of health care, increased state and federal support, and significant local community efforts, policymakers must prioritize implementing policies that improve health outcomes in the Black community.

Compared with whites, members of racial and ethnic minorities are less likely to receive preventive health services and often receive lower-quality care. They also have worse health outcomes for most conditions. To combat these disparities, legislators and health care professionals must explicitly acknowledge that race is a factor in health care.

Although the majority of individuals have at least one full-time worker in the family across racial and ethnic groups, people of color are more likely to live in low-income families that do not have coverage offered by an employer and have difficulty affording private coverage. According to a recent study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, the ongoing gaps in coverage for people of color could further widen the coverage gaps they already face and, in turn, exacerbate broader disparities in health and health care. With this in mind, efforts to increase insurance coverage and make health care affordable are crucial.

My organization works every day to educate the public on their health care rights and how to navigate the system, while also teaching preventive health care measures, as we work to help change these statistics. But officials at the city, state and federal levels, as well as health care systems and insurance companies, must recognize the serious inequities this research has exposed and work to address them. Improving disparities requires a collective effort across many systems and organizations.

Some examples include working to address key social determinants that can lead to poor health, offering more accessible and affordable health care options in communities of color that lack them, diversifying the health care workforce, proactively connecting patients with supportive social services and eliminating inequities in the quality of care. Additionally, it is important to monitor and document efforts toward reducing health disparities to determine what’s working.

If we’re ever going to deliver a realistic chance at equal access to quality health care for all residents of Kent County, we must work together vigorously as if our own lives depend upon it.

To read the article on GRBJ, click here>>.

To learn more about GRAAHI and the Health Equity Index, visit https://hei.graahi.org/.

GRAAHI blood drive brings awareness to the need for diversity in blood donations.

February 16, 2023January 5, 2023 by Barbara Lash

This January, National Blood Donor Month, GRAAHI follows in the footsteps of two heroes for life, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Dr. Charles Richard Drew, by joining with Versiti to hold a Blood Drive at Brown Hutcherson Ministries.

In the 1940s, Dr. Charles Drew laid the groundwork for today’s modern blood donation program through his innovative work in blood banking. The Red Cross blood bank program began in 1940, under the leadership of Drew who became the organization’s first medical director in 1941.

“He was a surgeon, educator, scientist and the first African-American blood specialist who helped shape the blood services industry. His legacy is far-reaching and we hope this drive helps educate the community about the need for a diverse blood supply,” said Vanessa Greene, CEO of the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute.

Why is an ethnically diverse blood supply important?

Because blood type is inherited, a compatible donor is often someone of a similar ethnic background. Diversity in donation is important for improved patient outcomes, as rare and uncommon blood types are often found in similar ethnic populations.

For example, sickle cell patients may require chronic blood transfusions to treat their disease, Since 44% of African Americans have Ro blood, providing matched Ro blood to sickle cell patients may provide a safer blood transfusion. Patients are less likely to experience complications from blood donated by someone with a similar ethnicity.

Become a Hero for Life and feel the good benefits of supporting your community. Join us January 21st from 9:30am to 1:30pm at Brown Hutcherson Ministries, 618 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503. GRAAHI seeks to create a welcoming and safe environment with a team focused on supporting your needs as you donate.

Every pint can save 3 lives!To sign up to donate, and learn more about Dr. Drew, go to graahi.com/giveblood.

Grand Rapids African American Health Institute Plans New Programs and Services After Receiving Federal Grant

January 6, 2023December 19, 2022 by Barbara Lash

Grand Rapids, Mich. (Dec. 19, 2022) – The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI)announced today it has received a $1 million grant through the federal government’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). GRAAHI was one of 30 grant recipients out of a total of 300 area applicants selected to receive funding by Kent County.

“We are pleased the Kent County administration and commission recognizes the important work GRAAHI provides in this community and has chosen to support our future efforts,” said Vanessa Greene, GRAAHI CEO. “As the leading health equity advocate for African Americans in greater Grand Rapids, we plan to use this federal funding to increase health-related resources for our residents and build on our efforts to make access to healthcare more equitable for all.”

Investing in new and existing mental and physical health programs for local communities was consistently described as “the first priority” in federal, state, and Kent County’s plans for spending ARPA funds. As part of its application process, GRAAHI presented plans to expand our services and impact in these areas. Specifically:

Expanding and enhancing mental health navigation services for Kent County’s BIPOC residents.
1. PROGRAM GOAL/Impact: At least 500 African American residents of Kent County whose mental health needs have developed or been exacerbated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic will be connected annually to mental health services to regain their optimal level of physical, mental, emotional, and social functioning during the 4-year project period.

Expanding and enhancing the representation of BIPOC professionals in Kent County’s healthcare workforce.
1. PROGRAM GOAL/Impact: Increase representation of African American and Latinx individuals in the Kent County healthcare workforce by engaging an additional 200-300 students annually from 2023-2026.

Launching a maternal and infant health community navigation program to serve BIPOC individuals and families in Kent County at high risk of disparate pregnancy outcomes.
1. PROGRAM GOAL/Impact: Significantly reduce the high and disparate rates of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity from all causes in Kent County’s BIPOC communities.

Expanding and enhancing the Restoring Health program that serves senior citizens in Kent County whose health deteriorated as a result of the social isolation and medical experiences they endured during the COVID-19 epidemic.
1. PROGRAM GOAL/Impact: To serve 300 or more BIPOC adults 65 and older in Kent County each year who were adversely impacted by COVID-19 and/or whose health and wellbeing are now deteriorating or are at risk of deteriorating as a result of chronic conditions, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and/or social isolation.

Organizing and directing county-wide blood drives with a focus on sickle cell patients.
1. PROGRAM GOAL/Impact: Expand our outreach to over 100 repeat blood donors in Kent County annually, each donating four times per year, resulting in over 1200 lives saved.

“This grant is both an investment in our community’s future health and a validation of the past work by GRAAHI over the past 20 years,” said Paul Doyle, GRAAHI Board Chair. “Since being established in 2002, GRAAHI has worked to improve access to healthcare for marginalized populations, provided health services to uninsured residents and improved the overall wellness of Black and Brown populations in the greater Grand Rapids area. This grant validates our work and sets the foundation for an even greater impact in the coming years.”

Recently our CEO, Vanessa Greene, spoke with Shelley Irwin at WGVU. Listen here.

It’s Time To Champion Better Healthcare For African-American Seniors

November 24, 2022 by Barbara Lash

Written by Aileen Hope, for The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute

The U.S. healthcare system has had a long, rocky reputation, and across the different demographics older Americans have it the worst. The Conversation notes 11 million older adults are struggling to make ends meet, and skip much needed healthcare as a result.

The numbers are worse for older people of color, and the national disparity between Black and white economic insecurity is 17 percentage points. The inaccessibility of healthcare is thus shown to disproportionately impact people of color and other marginalized groups.

Let’s take a closer look at what this means for African-American seniors.

A look through the medical facts

Statistics show that African-Americans bear the brunt of these healthcare challenges. This was further exposed under the recent Covid-19 pandemic wherein the NCBA highlights 37% of Covid-19 hospitalizations in 2020 and 2021 were older Black adults. This is despite the population comprising only 9% of the 65-and-older demographic.

Furthermore, the death rate from Covid-19 for older Black adults was more than twice the rate of older white adults. This is a recurring pattern that has occurred throughout history — African-American adults are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes, are 30% more likely to die from heart disease, and also 50% more likely to have a stroke.

The crucial factors

Experts have thus confirmed the pervasiveness of underlying health conditions within the African American community. In particular, gaps in wealth limit their access to the commercialized healthcare system.

Maryville University suggests that senior poverty has the potential to get even worse in the future. The median net worth of U.S. white families is nearly eight times greater than that of Black families. Social security benefits are based on the person’s earnings and are thus also lower on average for people of color, with the typical older Black family receiving annual benefits about 24% lower.

Acquiring a high-paying job and overcoming poverty is easier said than done, too. While we’ve come far since the 13th Amendment, African-American communities continue to lack access to the high-quality education that prepares young people for well-paying careers. They are also less likely to own a home and other assets, which reduces their ability to build wealth.

Seniors bear the biggest brunt of these effects, having survived their youth in a community that had even less access to wealth than it does today. This further puts people of color at disadvantages that can extend throughout their lifetime and pass onto future generations.

What can be done

As society progresses, means to help everyone build financial security for retirement have been developed. However, progression can go two ways, for the better or worse.

A critical program in the history of healthcare for people of color is the ACA or the Affordable Care Act. This allowed states to expand eligibility for Medicaid to everyone below 138 percent of the FPL, and from 2013 to 2019, the coverage gap between Black and white adults dropped by 4.6 percentage points.

In 2016, though, national progress stalled under the Trump administration and coverage eroded for all groups. This goes to show that systemic change is the key. This includes investing in public education, ensuring fair access to stable employment, and promoting financial literacy.

Government assistance programs such as SNAP benefits for food and housing subsidies, and the foundations of a secure retirement, Medicare and Social Security, must be improved as well. On the other hand, organizations or foundations can also do their part by making sure health programs consider African-American seniors’ specific needs and health conditions. Individuals can join the call and spread awareness in their own capacity, too.

As seen by ACA in 2016, the movement towards better healthcare for African-American seniors will naturally be inclusive of other demographics. It is thereby key that we collectively champion the rights of our seniors and African-American communities, in order to improve the lives of all.

Sickle cell patients need action to promote cures

October 26, 2023July 11, 2022 by GRAAHI Editorial

by Vanessa Greene

When our country comes together to solve a public health crisis, we can do remarkable things. Diseases that were once death sentences are now manageable conditions. We have created vaccines and therapies and drugs that once seemed impossible. Now, we need to channel this innovation into a group of patients who have been quietly suffering for too long: sickle cell patients.

The reality of the sickle cell crisis is glaring, and the statistics speak for themselves. The life expectancy for people with the most severe form of the disease is 30 years shorter than that of people without sickle cell. The rate of stroke in adults with sickle cell is three times higher than rates in African Americans of similar age without sickle cell, and these patients have the highest rate of return to the hospital within 30 days of discharge.

Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic disorder in the United States. It impacts one out of every 365 African American births and one out of every 16,300 Hispanic births. The sickle cell gene is present in an estimated 3 million Americans, all of whom could pass it onto their children. If two parents carry this gene, there is a 50% chance their child will inherit sickle cell disease. Unfortunately, because of insufficient data collection, countless Americans are unaware they have the sickle cell trait.

We are facing a public health crisis primarily affecting Black and brown communities — over 80% of sickle cell patients fall into this group — but it continues to receive inadequate attention from the medical community. We have known about sickle cell disease for over a century, yet the first sickle cell drug did not even hit the market until 2018. At present there are only a few available drugs on the market, and there is no cure.

We currently do not have enough medical providers who are trained to treat sickle cell disease, leaving too many patients with few options for care. Racial stereotypes add further barriers to care, as sickle cell patients looking for pain relief are often dehumanized as “drug seekers” who exaggerate their symptoms. One study found the mean wait time for sickle cell patients at the ER was over an hour, which can endanger lives and force patients to endure extreme pain flareups without treatment. This is over 25% longer than patients without sickle cell disease.

Of the 100,000 Americans suffering from sickle cell disease, nearly half rely on Medicaid for their insurance. As Medicaid coverage is decided by states, there are stark gaps in coverage around the country for sickle cell patients. All patients are deserving of the treatments they need, and we need to make sure they have access to every available drug and therapy, no matter their background or their insurance.

Right now, there are groundbreaking new developments in cell and gene-based therapies that could potentially cure sickle cell, but this means nothing if we do not get these treatments in the hands of every single patient as soon as they are available. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Department of Health and Human Services all have a crucial role to play here. We need leaders at these federal agencies to promote this innovation and coordinate with state policymakers and sickle cell stakeholders to ensure patients on Medicaid have access to all treatments.

If we come together, we can finally give these patients the treatment and care they have lacked for so long.

(From an oped in the Grand Rapids Business Journel, June 24, 2022)

COVID Vaccines for Small Children – What you need to know.

July 5, 2022 by Barbara Lash

After multiple delays, very young children are finally eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. In mid-June, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted emergency use authorization (EUA) to Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 6 months to 5 years, as well as to Moderna’s vaccine for kids ages 6 months to 6 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) soon after recommended the vaccines, which are now available.

Understandably, parents of small children are hesitant to get their children vaccinated without knowing the risks and benefits.

Both vaccines are safe and effective

The Moderna vaccine primary series for children 6 months through 5 years old is administered in two 25-microgram doses given four to eight weeks apart. The shots were about 40–50% effective at preventing milder Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infections in young children. Moderna expects children in this age group to be offered a booster dose at some point in time.

The Pfizer vaccine primary series for children 6 months to 4 years old is administered in three 3-microgram doses. The first and second doses are separated by three to eight weeks and the second and third doses are separated by at least eight weeks. Three doses of the Pfizer vaccine were shown to be 80% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19.

Both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines were shown to have similar side effects, which included pain at the injection site, irritability, drowsiness and fever.

Here are some common questions, with answers provided by the Kent County Health Department:

Is it a problem for my child to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other vaccines?
- No, children and teens may get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines at the same time. Because children may experience pain at the site where the shot is given, however, you should think about the number of shots you want your child to have at one time.
What kind of side effects should I worry about after my child gets the vaccine?
- Any vaccine can cause side effects. These are usually minor (for example, a sore arm or low-grade fever) and go away within a few days. The COVID-19 vaccine is no different. If your child has any of the following after getting their vaccine, however, you should call or visit a doctor:
  - Breathing fast or having trouble breathing
  - Chest Pain
  - A fast or irregular heartbeat
  - Fainting
  - A high fever with spasms or jerky movements (seizures)
  - A swollen tongue or throat
  - A rash or hives on their body
Should my child get the vaccine if they have allergies?
- Children with an allergy to food, latex or things in the environment (pollen, pets, bug bites, etc.) can get the COVID-19 vaccine. Serious allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine have been very rare, especially among children.
Will my child act any differently after getting the vaccine?
- Your child will likely complain that their arm hurts where the shot was given. They may also feel tired, not want to eat and be more irritable and cry more than usual. This shouldn’t last longer than a day.
Why should my child get the COVID-19 vaccine?
- Vaccinating children protects them when participating in childcare, school, and other activities. It’s hard to predict how a child’s body will respond if they are infected with COVID-19. Most kids will do well, but some get very sick and need to visit the hospital. Getting the vaccine is the best way to help prevent this.
What’s the difference between the two vaccines for kids under 5 years old?
- Both vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infection. The main difference is that the Pfizer vaccine is 3 doses and the Moderna vaccine is 2 doses. The most important choice is the one to have your child vaccinated.
Will the COVID-19 vaccine affect my child if they have diabetes or sickle cell disease?
- There is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine negatively impacts children with diabetes or sickle cell disease. In fact, it is especially important for children with these conditions to be vaccinated as they are more likely to get severe COVID-19 if they are infected.
My child is 4 years old. Should I wait until they are 5 to get vaccinated with the vaccine for 5-11 year olds?
- It takes some time to be considered fully protected after getting vaccinated (6 weeks for the Moderna vaccine and 13 weeks for the Pfizer vaccine). So that your child is fully protected as soon as possible, it is best not to wait and to get them vaccinated now.

You may still have more questions, so we encourage you to speak to your healthcare provider/pediatrician to determine what is the most appropriate action for your family.

Need to get your child vaccinated?
GRAAHI is offering multiple free, local vaccine clinics. To see the dates, locations and make an appointment, go to graahi.com/getvaccinated.