Sickle Cell Disease:
Family Guide

This second edition was published by Newark Beth Israel Medical Center through funding provided by:

New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services
Division of Family Health Services
Special Child Health and Early Intervention Services
P.O. Box 364
Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0364

We would like to extend special thanks to the following persons and groups:

• Children with sickle cell disease and their families for their constructive comments;
• Drs. Richard Sills and Dorothy Moore, Chairpersons, and members of the Sickle Cell Advisory Committee of New Jersey for their leadership; and the following members of the Patient Education Subcommittee for their expertise:

• approximately 80-90 infants born each year in New Jersey with sickle cell disease or other hemoglobinopathies;
• parents and family members who provide these children with the home care, love and encouragement for an active and healthy childhood;
• dedicated staff of the statewide network of treatment centers which specialize in treating children with sickle cell disease;
• hospital emergency room staff who provide prompt emergency treatment to these children;
  pediatricians and family practice physicians who provide routine health care to these children and their families; and
• local community organizations that advocate for individuals with sickle cell disease.