MARQUETTE – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announces the release of a new sickle cell disease strategic plan that continues more than a decade of work to improve care and services to individuals with SCD, with a heightened focus on reducing barriers for adults who live with the disease.

The 2026-2030 Strategic Plan is guided by community input, amplifies the voices of those most affected by the disease and outlines strategies to raise awareness, expand access to care and therapies and strengthen public health surveillance.

“MDHHS is committed to improving care, support, education and health outcomes for individuals living with sickle cell disease,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “This strategic plan reflects the voices of the sickle cell community and outlines actions to expand access to care, strengthen data and continue advancing support for those impacted across Michigan.”

SCD is an inherited blood disorder that causes red blood cells to form a sickle or crescent shape. The misshapen cells can block blood flow, causing complications such as pain crises, serious infections, strokes and organ damage. Approximately 4,000 individuals in Michigan currently live with SCD.