Research and Data Insights
Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a vital role in supporting families of children with sickle cell disease as they transition back to school by providing personalized education and outreach.
- CHWs help families and students recognize sickle cell disease symptoms such as pain, fever, or fatigue and teach them how to communicate these needs clearly in the school setting.
- CHWs promote healthy habits, including drinking enough fluids, following medication instructions, prioritizing rest, and maintaining proper nutrition. These routines can help students feel better and reduce missed school days.
- CHWs help families understand school health recommendations and ensure information is shared in a way that is easy to follow for both students and caregivers. They may assist with paperwork or connecting families to resources if needed.
Myth vs. Fact
Myth: School staff can always recognize a sickle cell crisis.
Fact: Sickle cell pain crises and complications (such as fever or severe fatigue) are not always obvious. That is why clear emergency care plans and regular communication between providers, families, and school teams are essential to help staff recognize early warning signs and act quickly.
Resource from the CDC: What You Should Know About Sickle Cell Disease