Sickle Cell Disease Caucus

SCD Caucus Congressional Briefing - September 23, 2026

10am – 11am EDT

Caucus Briefing Press Release

September 16, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Congressional Sickle Cell Disease Caucus to Host Briefing on Emergency Department Care During Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Congressional Sickle Cell Disease Caucus will host a congressional briefing focused on improving emergency department care for people living with sickle cell disease (SCD), their caregivers, and clinical professionals. Held in recognition of Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month, this event will feature a panel discussion led by the bipartisan caucus co-chairs, Representatives Glenn Ivey (MD-04) and Rich McCormick (GA-07).

The briefing, titled Reimaging Emergency Care for Sickle Cell Disease, will take place Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST in the Rayburn House Office Building – Room 2075. “When Sickle Cell Warriors go to the emergency room, they often face challenges receiving the timely and acute care they need,” said Congressman Ivey. “The Sickle Cell Disease Caucus is dedicated to supporting Warriors and their families, while ensuring healthcare professionals understand the urgency of treating sickle cell pain crises. No one living with sickle cell disease should have their pain dismissed or face unnecessary obstacles to needed care. These crises need to be taken seriously, and the treatment Sickle Cell Warriors receive in the emergency room must reflect that.” This conversation will engage a broad network of stakeholders, including patient advocates, healthcare providers, researchers, industry partners, and community leaders.

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About the SCD Caucus

The Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Caucus is a bipartisan platform dedicated to advancing policies that improve the lives of individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease. The Caucus works to elevate awareness of SCD, support research and innovation, strengthen access to high quality care, and build support for legislation and federal funding that addresses the needs of the sickle cell community.

Through collaboration with warriors, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, and advocates, the Caucus helps ensure that federal policy discussions reflect the realities of those most impacted by SCD.

SCD Caucus Congressional Leads

Learn more about the SCD Caucus congressional leads by clicking the images or links below.

Caucus Membership

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a caucus?

A caucus is a group of members of Congress who come together around a shared issue or policy priority. Congressional caucuses provide a forum for legislators to learn about an issue, collaborate with colleagues across party lines, and engage with stakeholders working in the field.

While caucuses are not formal legislative bodies, they play an important role in educating policymakers, shaping legislative priorities, and advancing solutions to complex national challenges.

Why is the SCD Caucus important?

The SCD Caucus helps elevate SCD as a national health priority by fostering bipartisan leadership and sustained congressional engagement. Through the Caucus, members of Congress can:

• Increase awareness of the challenges faced by individuals living with SCD
• Support policies that improve access to care, treatment, and emerging therapies
• Advance federal research and public health investments
• Engage directly with warriors, caregivers, clinicians, and advocates

By bringing together leaders from both parties, the Caucus helps build the bipartisan support needed to advance meaningful policy change for the sickle cell community.