Sickle Cell Disease: Transitioning From Pediatric to Adult Care

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Sickle Cell Disease: Transitioning From Pediatric to adult Care

Sickle Cell Disease: Transitioning From Pediatric to Adult Care

About the Sickle Cell Disease Transition Program

With the only program of its kind in Metro Atlanta, Children's is leading the way in developing support for teens and young adults in their transition from pediatric to adult care.

Collaborating with the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia and Grady Memorial Hospital, we aim to empower patients with the skills and the knowledge pediatric sickle cell disease patients need in order to make a seamless shift into the adult healthcare system.

Why is the transition program important?

The transition from pediatric to adult sickle cell disease care is a crucial time for young adults, typically ranging from 18 to 24 years old. This period can be daunting, as these young adults face challenges that can lead them to feel lost in the healthcare system.

Developing the skills to manage their health and navigate the adult care landscape enhances their chances of staying connected to care, ultimately reducing the risk of complications and improving their overall well-being.

Our Sickle Cell Disease Transition Program is committed to elevating the level of care for those with sickle cell disease by providing structured Health Care Transition (HCT) services, aligning with standards set by Got Transition.

Participants can take full advantage of our structured program, with added support from the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia. Patients and their families will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team at both Hughes Spalding Hospital and Arthur M. Blank Hospital to create a tailored care plan that addresses their unique transition needs.

Multidisciplinary team members include:

  • Clinician or physician
  • Social worker
  • Nurse
  • Psychologist
  • Child life specialists
  • School teachers
  • Nurse navigator

For more information about our Sickle Cell Disease Transition Program, contact aflacscdtranscoord@choa.org.

Join us for Sickle Cell Disease Transition Education Day 2025

When

Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 at noon

Location

Woodruff Memorial Research Building

46 Armstrong St SE, Atlanta, GA 30303

Get Directions

When you arrive:

Please meet at 11:30 a.m. in the main lobby of Hughes Spalding Hospital, and we will walk to Emory together.

Parking:

Park at the Sweet Auburn Curb Market located at 209 Edgewood Ave. SE. Bring your parking ticket to the security desk at Hughes Spalding for validation. 

Why should I attend?

As you emerge into adult life and get closer to making your own decisions about your health, it’s important to be well-informed. This event will allow you to:

  • Learn about the transition from pediatrics to adult care at Emory Healthcare and Grady Health System.
  • Tour Grady Health System so you’ll be familiar with their facilities before you visit them for care.

What will we talk about?

Join other kids with sickle cell disease and their families for a discussion on:

  • Life after high school
  • Mental wellness
  • College resources
  • Financial planning and insurance
  • Community resources

Register Today