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The Sickle Cell Center of Southern Louisiana (SCCSL) grew out of a sickle cell clinic initiated by Gerald Williams, Director of the New Orleans Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation and Maeola Jones, the pediatric nurse in 1979. Mr. Williams was the Director of the New Orleans Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation at the time and Ms. Maeola Jones the pediatric nurse for sickle cell. Patients were initially seen at the routine weekly pediatric and adult hematology clinics at Charity Hospital where Ms. Jones provided particular attention to sickle cell issues. In 1984 the adult and pediatric clinics were combined and the Sickle Cell Center of Southern Louisiana was established, which has been providing comprehensive care for patients with sickle cell disease from birth into adulthood since. The impact of comprehensive sickle cell care is reflected by a significantly improved life expectancy. While the life expectancy of someone with sickle cell disease was estimated to be in their 20’s in the 1970’s, we now take care of individuals well into their 60’s and beyond. We continue to be aware and committed to advance the care of our patients. The results of their efforts are reflected in observing the increase in average lifespan for people with sickle cell disease, which was only 14 years until 1973. Currently, life expectancy for these patients can reach 50 years and over. However there is a need for a more research and work to ensure that these patients live normal productive life. Read More
The goal of the SCCSL is to improve the care and quality of life of patients with sickle cell disease. Within the center, we have physicians, nurses, social workers, researchers, and administrators dedicated to helping people with sickle cell disease of all ages. We offer comprehensive medical care including individualized pain programs, education, exchange transfusion therapy, hydroxyurea therapy, bone marrow transplant and psychosocial support.
Contact Information:
Phone Number: 504-988-5413
Fax Number: 504-988-6013
The SCCSL has several clinic locations within Tulane University Hospital and Clinics, and Children’s Hospital of New Orleans
Tulane Lakeside
4720 S. I-10 Service Rd, Suite 401
Metairie, La 70001
Children's Hospital
200 Henry Clay Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70118
Mission
The mission of the SCCSL at Tulane University School of Medicine, is to provide comprehensive medical care to patients with sickle cell disease integrated with extensive patient education to ensure prevention, prompt recognition and management of long-term complications and facilitate improved quality of life; achieved by collaborative efforts of specialists, primary care providers and other members of our healthcare team. Read More
Our goals are:
- To provide the best quality of care to our patients, in addition to establishing a relationship with the patient’s primary care provider to ensure the best continuity of care.
- To help patients with sickle cell disease access appropriate resources within the community to improve and increase their support system.
- To conduct clinical research so that our patients can have access to the latest treatments for sickle cell disease.
- To reduce medical complications caused by sickle cell disease including hospitalizations, by training healthcare providers in various specialties on the needs and treatments for patients with sickle cell.
Contact Information:
Phone: 504-988-5413
Fax: 504-988-6013
