"Life-Threatening Waits: The Urgent Dilemma for Sickle Cell Patients in ERs"

People with sickle cell disease face life-threatening waits and discrimination when seeking care in emergency rooms. The rare blood disorder affects an estimated 100,000 Americans, with Black patients being the majority. Sickle cell crises can lead to extreme pain and complications, requiring high doses of opioids and IVs. However, ER staff often lack experience in treating the disease and are hesitant to prescribe necessary painkillers. Patients report long delays, discrimination, and suspicion of drug-seeking behavior. Despite established guidelines, best practices for sickle cell care are not widely adopted. Legislators are working on bills to improve physician education, care coordination, and data collection. Patients advocate for themselves while balancing the need not to alienate hospital staff.