SCDAA joins the National Medical Association, the American Medical Association, the American Association of Medical Colleges, and other groups, in advocating for DEI programs in medical institutions. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a serious and complex disease that affects a disproportionate amount of people of color in the United States. As such, it exists in the contexts of racism, socio-economic disparities and unequal levels of advanced care, research funding and national attention. Medical, scientific and governmental experts have called for the explicit education of SCD, the impact of race on health outcomes and stigma in medical institutions to advance care and research for this population. The promotion of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) to the medical workforce is vital to the advancement and survival of the patient population living with SCD. Efforts to eliminate inclusive policies and opportunities in medical education obstruct the progress toward a more diverse and equitable health care workforce. It is imperative that medical school admission offices actively work toward creating diverse environments and prioritize the success of students from all backgrounds.

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