Prisma Health has launched the Sickle Cell Lifespan Center, a newly expanded, systemwide program designed to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for patients with sickle cell disease.
The center has two dedicated clinics, in Greenville and Columbia, and was developed in part with a $2 million investment from the State of South Carolina. The expansion marks a significant milestone in sickle cell care offered by Prisma Health, especially the expansion of the adult clinic in the Midlands which will offer more advanced services including access to disease-modifying medications, blood transfusions, transformative therapies and clinical trials for emerging treatments.
“Prisma Health is leading the way with a lifespan model of sickle cell disease care—one of the few programs of its kind in the nation,” said Alan Anderson, MD, who leads the Upstate program. “We’re bridging the critical gaps in care—especially for young adults transitioning from pediatric to adult services and for adults who’ve struggled to find comprehensive, knowledgeable care. This model ensures continuity and individualized treatment throughout a patient’s life.”
Alvonte Pyles was diagnosed with sickle cell disease when he was two years old. Now, at age 30, he agrees the continuity of care over his life has made all the difference.
“I can most definitely count on my doctors and the staff here,” Pyles said. “They’ve known me since I was very little.…I can talk to them if anything is going wrong and I know they’ll give clear and concise answers to help. This program has put me on a trajectory to better living.”
The center’s team includes new providers, social workers, psychologists and nurse navigators, all dedicated to sickle cell care. Prisma Health is also enhancing inpatient consultative services, ensuring hospitalists have access to sickle cell specialists and that patients experience continuity between hospital and outpatient settings.
“We’re proud to now offer full-spectrum adult sickle cell care in Columbia,” said Carla Roberts, MD, who leads the Midlands program. “This expansion means patients in the Midlands can access the same high-level care, including individualized acute pain management strategies, access to preventive treatments and support by a multidisciplinary team.”
The program is part of national and international sickle cell networks, allowing Prisma Health specialists to collaborate globally and bring the latest research and best practices to South Carolina patients.
The Prisma Health Sickle Cell Lifespan Center – Columbia is located at 3010 Farrow Rd., Ste 300A, in Columbia. Call 803-434-6100 to schedule an appointment. The Prisma Health Sickle Cell Lifespan Center – Greenville is located at 900 W. Faris Rd., in Greenville. Call 864-455-8898 to schedule an appointment.
