Sickle Cell Disease: Transitioning From Pediatric to adult Care

About the sickle cell disease transition program

The Metropolitan Atlanta Pediatric to Adult SCD Transition Program was initially called the Teen Scene Program. This program is made up of pediatric and adult providers, patients and families, along with the state of Georgia and the SCO CBO Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, to help patients learn skills and competencies that make for a smoother transition from pediatric models to adult models of sickle cell disease care. This is the only program in the Metro Atlanta Area, where it was initially the pioneer program, and emerged to become a national model. Started as teen scene transition program in 2007, the transition program services one of the largest sickle cell disease pediatric programs in the country. Founded by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Pediatric Physician, Dr. Ify Osunkwo and Dr. Jim Eckman of Grady Memorial Hospital, the program evolved to become the basis of a nationally funded PCORI study (ST3P UP trial).

Why is the transition program important?

Emerging adults who acquire skills to manage their health and navigate the adult healthcare system are more likely to stay in care. The transition period from pediatric to adult care spans the age from 18-24 years. This is a stage of immense vulnerability for emerging adults where the risk of getting lost in transition can lead to increased complications and mortality.

The program will enhance the delivery of care to patients with sickle cell by providing standard Healthcare Transitional (HCT) for emerging adults with sickle cell disease as defined by Got Transition, www.gottransition.org.

Patients can benefit by participating in our structured transition program with available added support from our partnerships with the SCD community-based organization, the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia (SCFG).

Serves as the basis for research and ongoing continuous quality improvement.

Provided at Hughes Spalding and Arthur M. Blank Hospital, patients and families will meet with members of the multidisciplinary team and work closely to create an essential care plan related to their transition needs.

Multidisciplinary team members include:

• Clinician or physician
• Social worker
• Nurse
• Psychologist
• Child life specialists
• School teachers
• Nurse navigator

For more information about the sickle cell disease transition program, contact aflacscdtranscoord@choa.org.

When

Friday, May 30, 2025 at 12 p.m.
Friday, November 14, 2025 at 12 p.m.

Location

Grady Health System

80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30303

Get Directions

When you arrive:

Please meet in the main lobby of Hughes Spalding Hospital located at 35 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive at 11:30 a.m. and we will walk to Emory together.

Parking:

Park at the Sweet Auburn Curb Market located at 209 Edgewood Ave. SE. Bring your parking ticket to the security desk at Hughes Spalding for validation. 

Why should I attend?

As you emerge into adult life and get closer to making your own decisions about your health, it’s important to be well-informed. This event will allow you to:

• Learn about the transition from pediatrics to adult care at Emory Healthcare and Grady Health System
• Tour Grady Health System so you’ll be familiar with their facilities before you visit them for care

What are we going to talk about?

Join other kids with sickle cell disease and their families for a discussion on:

• Life after high school
• Mental wellness
• College resources
• Financial planning and insurance
• Community resources