Cayenne Wellness Center's 17th Annual Summit Advances Sickle Cell Care Through Patient-Provider Dialogue

The Cayenne Wellness Center will host its 17th Annual Sickle Cell Disease Educational Summit from September 17-20, 2025, bringing together healthcare professionals, patients, families, and community members to address the complex challenges affecting approximately 100,000 Americans living with sickle cell disease. This year's theme, "Let's Talk About Pain: The Seen and Unseen," focuses on both the physical and emotional dimensions of pain management, highlighting the critical need for comprehensive approaches to this genetic blood disorder.

The hybrid event features a groundbreaking session titled "Doctor to Doctor: What It's Like to Live With and Treat Sickle Cell," where nine physicians who personally live with sickle cell disease will share their unique perspectives. This innovative approach challenges healthcare providers to reconsider traditional pain management protocols and patient-provider relationships by blending clinical expertise with lived experience. The session represents a significant advancement in patient-centered care, emphasizing the incorporation of patient experiences into medical training and practice.

The comprehensive four-day agenda covers FDA-approved therapies, emerging treatments, advocacy strategies, and specialized tracks for nurses and physicians. Additional summit highlights include the "Tribute to Our Golden Warriors" celebrating individuals aged 70+ living with sickle cell disease, demonstrating the possibilities for longevity despite the condition's challenges. The SCAR Stories Exhibit transforms visible and invisible scars into artistic expressions, while a private screening of J Snow's documentary "You Look Fine" reveals the hidden struggles of sickle cell warriors.

The event will conclude with an awards ceremony and benefit concert headlined by award-winning R&B vocalist Dee Dee Simon, whose performance embodies themes of resilience and empowerment central to the sickle cell community. Registration and accommodation details are available at https://cayennewellness.org/scd-educational-summit-2025. By addressing both clinical treatment approaches and the psychosocial dimensions of sickle cell disease, the summit aims to establish new standards for comprehensive care that acknowledges the full spectrum of patient experiences and improves outcomes for the entire community.