Sickle Cell Clinic of Excellence
About Our Clinic
Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) joined the Networking California for Sickle Cell Care (NCSCC) as a Clinic of Excellence in 2023. ARMC offers multi-disciplinary care to adults living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in San Bernardino County and is one of 12 clinics across the state participating in California’s first and only network of comprehensive SCD clinics.
There are approximately 7,000 adults living with SCD in California. San Bernardino County is one of the most affected communities in the state having the second-largest population affected by this disease, following Los Angeles County. The ARMC clinic aims to serve the hundreds of known individuals living with the disease who reside in San Bernardino County. The clinic provides comprehensive hematology and infusion treatments and is staffed by providers from City of Hope.
Our infusion clinic offers two waiting areas, 11 private exam rooms, and 17 spacious and semi-private infusion bays. Each infusion bay is equipped with personal televisions, privacy curtains, and space for a family or friend to be present during treatments. ARMC’s devoted care team will be the ally you and your family need through your journey with Sickle Cell Disease.
Click here to meet our Care Team.
Sickle Cell Disease
What is it?
Sickle Cell disease (SCD) is a common inherited blood disorder affecting
red blood cells. This disease affects hemoglobin, the protein that carries
oxygen through the body. Normally, red blood cells are disc-shaped and
flexible enough to move easily through the blood vessels. If you have
sickle cell disease, your red blood cells are crescent- or “sickle-”
shaped. These cells do not bend or move easily and can block blood flow
to the rest of your body. Sickle Cell Disease is a lifelong illness. The
condition affects more than 100,000 people in the United States and 20
million people worldwide.1
Diagnosis, Signs, and Symptoms
- Sickle Cell Disease is diagnosed using blood tests. Most people are diagnosed with SCD as a baby though newborns may not develop symptoms of SCD until they are five or six months old. The United States requires that all hospitals test babies for SCD as part of a newborn screening program.
- Symptoms can vary and change over time. Some may have symptoms occasionally while others have symptoms more frequently.
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.
- Fatigue or fussiness from anemia.
- Painful swelling of the hands and feet.
Our Treatment Services
“Providing Sickle Cell Disease care requires not only medical expertise, but also empathy, patience, and a commitment to advocating for our patients. We’re talking about a complex, chronic condition that affects not only the physical health of our patients, but also their social health and well-being,” said Ziad Khan, M.D., Oncologist and Hematologist, ARMC and City of Hope. “Our team is dedicated to working collaboratively with every patient, and their families, to develop a treatment plan that addresses all the aspects of our patients’ lives and ensures the best quality of life.”
- SCD is a lifelong illness. However, the ARMC team is here to help you develop a plan to ensure the best quality and longevity for life. Various methods of treatment our team can discuss with you include medications, hydration therapy, chronic pain issues, blood transfusions, clinical trials, and overall physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.
- Currently, the only cure for SCD is a bone marrow transplant. Unfortunately, this is not an option for every patient with SCD. Many patients will not qualify for a transplant due to age or lack of donor. A patient needs a donor who is a very good genetic match to have the best chance of a successful transplant.
Partners in Sickle Cell Care
City of Hope
Networking California for Sickle Cell Care
The Networking California for Sickle Cell Care (NCSCC) model of care, a
full collaboration between community and health care services, is helping
those living with SCD, for the first time, experience continuity of care
and the prevention of devastating complications that result in avoidable
emergency room visits or hospitalizations due to pain or severe anemia.
In only three years, NCSCC has reduced emergency department treatment
and release visits by 11%, hospitalizations by 20%, and total length of
hospitalization stays (days) by 50%.1
Center for Inherited Blood Disorders
The Center for Inherited Blood Disorders (CIBD) has cared for hundreds
of children and adults in Southern California, offering a safety net clinic
that provides health care services specifically to patients with inherited
blood disorders. CIBD has been able to increase access to care for those
who are economically challenged by providing medical care regardless of
ability to pay. CIBD is also a national leader in directing federal initiatives
to promote regional blood disorder networks that provide team-based clinical
care and uniformly track health outcomes.
Sickle Cell Disease Foundation
The Sickle Cell Disease Foundation (SCDF) was incorporated in 1957 and
is the first and oldest Sickle Cell Disease community-based organization
of its kind in the nation. As the only organization in California approved
to provide Hemoglobin-Trait Counseling Services and direct the Sickle
Cell Educator/Counselor Certification Training Course, SCDF provides life-enhancing
education, services and programs for individuals living with Sickle Cell
Disease. SCDF broadens public awareness, delivers effective advocacy initiatives,
and promotes innovative therapies to ultimately find a cure.