Phoebe to Host World Sickle Cell Day Events on June 19

Albany, GA | June 17, 2026 – Phoebe invites patients, families, and community members to observe World Sickle Cell Day on Friday, June 19, 2026, with a series of events at its main campus in Albany focused on awareness, education, and support. This year’s national theme is “Closing the Survival Gap.”

Sickle cell disease disproportionately impacts the African American community, making this a meaningful opportunity to highlight both awareness and the importance of equitable access to care.

The day’s events will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a brief program followed by a community awareness walk from the Phoebe Trauma & Critical Care Tower Pavilion to the Phoebe Paver Pathway. At 11:00 a.m., attendees are invited to a Lunch & Learn session in the Cancer Center conference room featuring a guest speaker from the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, who will discuss services and resources available to support individuals living with sickle cell disease. Free sickle cell testing will be available beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Phoebe encourages individuals living with sickle cell disease and their loved ones – as well as those who may be at risk or want to learn more – to attend and take advantage of these resources.

Phoebe provides easy access to care through its Sickle Cell Fast Track Unit, a specialized service at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital to provide rapid treatment for patients experiencing a sickle cell crisis.

“Our fast track unit allows patients to come to the ER, identify themselves as needing sickle cell care, and in many cases be taken directly for treatment without long waits or hospital admission. They can remain in the unit for up to 23 hours receiving care to relieve the painful symptoms that often come with a sickle cell episode,” said Tamika Kates, RN, Sickle Cell Nurse Navigator at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital.

Beyond emergency care, Phoebe is committed to long-term support of patients through resources like its Sickle Cell Support Group, which meets on the last Tuesday of each month in the Phoebe Cancer Center conference room.

“Events like World Sickle Cell Day remind us how important it is to close gaps in care and improve outcomes. By connecting patients with support, education, and timely treatment, we can make a meaningful difference in their quality of life,” said Kates.

Phoebe encourages the entire community to join in raising awareness, honoring resilience, and supporting those living with sickle cell disease.