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Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease is caused by a genetic mutation that affects a patient's red blood cells, giving them a crescent shape, making them fragile and causing them to lodge in blood vessels. The disease is estimated to occur in 1 in 500 African Americans and 1 in 1,400 Hispanic Americans.

There is no cure, but the disease can be successfully managed throughout people’s lives, keeping them healthy and active.

How We Care For You

Our health system has provided decades of excellent care for patients with sickle cell disease, especially children. NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem is a designated Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center.  The Center offers sensitive and caring pediatric services, prenatal diagnosis, transfusion, and social services along with genetic counseling.

Click here to learn more and get important information about NYC Health + Hospitals’ high-quality and affordable care for Sickle Cell Disease:

NYC Health + Hospitals provides high quality health care to all New Yorkers, regardless of their ability to pay. But we’ll also help you find health insurance if you need it. Click here to learn more about MetroPlus, our affordable and comprehensive health insurance plan.


Contact Us

NYC Health + Hospitals provides advanced sickle cell disease care at three of our hospitals. We have full wellness teams in every borough with extended hours that fit your busy schedule, dedicated to serving you and your family from the very first visit. Learn more about our extended hours.

Find a hospital or a neighborhood health center near you.

WE ALWAYS PUT PATIENTS FIRST