Porter: Indiana set to begin expansion of sickle cell treatment services
INDIANAPOLIS – A new state law authored by State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) will enable Indiana to offer a wider array of services for people suffering from sickle cell disease.
Public Law 55 (House Enrolled Act 1354) requires the Indiana Department of Health to expand the types of care available for people with sickle cell, including financial assistance to individuals for treatment, mental health care, and pain management, as well as improved access to services. Gov. Eric Holcomb signed the bill into law in April, and ceremoniously signed the bill today with state legislators and advocates present.
“This law will help our state address the gap in services that now exists for adults with sickle cell,” Porter said. “Sickle cell is generally considered a disease that strikes only children, and many of the services that have been in place stop when a person turns 18 years of age. What we are attempting here is the creation of a more encompassing plan that can help improve the level of care for people of all ages.”
Program expansion will focus on establishing sickle cell disease centers in underserved areas of the state, along with providing financial assistance to help individuals get treatment and establishing an educational outreach program for both patients and providers.
At present, most of the sickle cell care services in Indiana are provided through four facilities: Martin Center, Inc., and the Indiana Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, both in Indianapolis; Indiana University; and Memorial Hospital of South Bend.
To supplement the provisions of PL 55, Porter was able to include an additional $260,000 per year in the biennial state budget for sickle cell treatment and education.
“These are simply the first steps to help people of all ages who suffer from this terrible disease,” Porter said. “People who have sickle cell must face pain on a daily basis, and the need for treatment is great. Through this law, we can provide better care for more people.”