Dromm, Council call on state to fund sickle cell care

Councilmember Daniel Dromm sponsored a resolution calling on state lawmakers to pass legislation funding sickle cell care and training. Photo courtesy of Dromm’s Office

By David Brand

Three Queens lawmakers have led the state and city to effort bolster treatment for sickle cell disease, prompting the city council on Thursday to press Albany to pass funding bills this legislative session.

Councilmember Daniel Dromm, of Jackson Heights, sponsored a resolution urging state lawmakers to pass legislation that would coordinate services, boost community outreach and establish mental health services. The legislation was introduced by State Sen James Sanders and Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman, both of Southeast Queens.

“Sickle cell disease is a public health crisis,” Dromm said. “Sickle-cell related conditions highlight health disparities in our system as communities of color are disproportionately affected.”

Sickle cell disease is a hereditary condition characterized by crescent-shaped red blood cells — resembling sickles — that block the flow of oxygen to vital organs through the bloodstream. The condition causes bouts of excruciating and eventually, death. Women with sickle cell have an average life expectancy of 42; men, 38. 

The illness almost exclusively affects people of African descent, leading to treatment disparities informed by racism and poverty. People with sickle cell disease — mostly black or African American — are less likely to have health insurance or access to consistent and adequate medical care. 

About 10,000 people in New York City are diagnosed with sickle cell disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control.