Sickle Cell Clinic

Beaufort Memorial has teamed up with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC Health) to offer Lowcountry patients with sickle cell better access to expert care so they can gain better control of the disease and improve their quality of life.

A Medical Home for Sickle Cell Patients

Beaufort Memorial's sickle cell clinic offers ongoing disease-modifying therapy with individualized treatment plans based on the latest evidence-based practices. Therapies include:

• Preventive care
• Hydroxyurea management
• Adakveo IV infusions
• Blood transfusions
• Acute pain management
• Care coordination
• Research treatment

The clinic is part of the South Carolina sickle cell (SC)2 network led by Dr. Julie Kanter, director of sickle cell research at MUSC Health.

Comprehensive Care

The clinic provides acute care for patients as well as comprehensive, routine care and disease-specific management.

Ongoing health maintenance and pain management is provided in the clinic five days a week. Dr. Kanter makes monthly in-person visits to evaluate patients, establish treatment plans and monitor their medications. She is also available for acute issues via telehealth technology. An (SC)2 social worker is available to assist patients with psychosocial, health navigation and financial issues.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 843-522-5351.

Addressing a Local Need

As many as 4,500 people in South Carolina – the vast majority of them of African-American descent – are afflicted with sickle cell disease, a group of disorders that cause anemia, shortness of breath and fatigue.

In sickle cell disease, the hemoglobin inside oxygen-rich red blood cells is damaged, causing it to twist and break down. When these “sickled cells” clump together and block small blood vessels, it can trigger a severe attack called a sickle cell crisis. During these painful episodes, tissues and organs are deprived of oxygen, which can lead to serious complications, including organ damage, heart failure and stroke. It is commonly associated with early death, decreased quality of life, extreme pain, and progressive damage to vital organs such as the lungs, brain, and spleen.

Help Local Sickle Cell Patients by Donating Blood

Sickle cell patients often require regular blood transfusions throughout their lifetime and the blood they receive must be closely matched to prevent rejection. By donating blood to OneBlood, you can help local sickle cell patients manage their disease.

OneBlood is the sole supplier of blood for Beaufort Memorial patients. Learn more about donating blood for sickle cell patients.

Visit the OneBlood donor center at 1001 Boundary St., Suite A, in Beaufort. Schedule you appointment at oneblood.org or by calling (888) 9-DONATE (936-6283).