3 Ways to Close Gaps in Sickle Cell Disease Care: Recommendations from NICHQ Projects 

In the past several decades, clinicians, public health professionals, and those with lived experience have seen advancements in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) treatments and research that have significantly improved outcomes and increased life expectancies for people living with SCD. For example, the FDA-approved medication hydroxyurea (HU) has been recommended as a SCD standard of care…

NICHQ Intern Spotlight: Macy Parakh

Macy Parakh (she/her) is a Marketing Communication Intern Summer 2022 at NICHQ. She is a Master of Public Health (MPH) student at Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH). Macy is studying Community Assessment, Program Design, Implementation, and Evaluation (CAPDIE) and Maternal and Child Health (MCH). She is originally from Toronto, Canada. Macy has a…

NICHQ Intern Spotlight: Lyndsay Brooks

Lyndsay Brooks (she/her) is a 2022 summer intern on NICHQ’s Marketing and Communications Team. Originally from Davidsonville, MD, Lyndsay is now a Master’s of Public Health student at Boston University (BU) studying Health, Policy, and Law and Maternal and Child Health (MCH). Lyndsay brings with her a background in public health, Medicaid policy, and pediatric…

NICHQ Intern Spotlight: Elyse Anderson

Elyse Anderson (she/her) is a Healthy Start Intern Summer 2022 at NICHQ. She is a Master of Public Health student at Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH). Elyse is studying Community Assessment, Program Design, Implementation, and Evaluation (CAPDIE) and Maternal and Child Health (MCH).  She is from a town outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota.  Elyse…

NICHQ Intern Spotlight: Lucia (Lucy) Burzynski 

Lucia (Lucy) Burzynski (she/her) is a Marketing and Communications Intern this Summer at NICHQ. Born and raised in Milwaukee, she is currently a Master of Public Health student at Boston University specializing in Community Assessment and Program Design and Maternal and Child Health. Her Summer QI project is centered around spending more time with friends….

A Physician’s Reflections on Racism and Treating Sickle Cell Disease

There are times in life when new information prompts us to reflect on our past experiences, ask ourselves tough questions, and contemplate how we could have made different choices. Our willingness to experience those moments and how we change after having them is what could make all the difference for someone else’s quality of life….

NICHQ Employee Spotlight: Kim Sprunck

Full name and title: Kim Sprunck, MSW, MPH, Associate Director of Programs Years with NICHQ: 3 How has your background/experiences led you to join a national children’s health organization? “I have a long history of being interested in public health, and specifically population health. Specifically, I have a background in improving health for vulnerable populations- including helping low-income populations who need…

Continuing Sickle Cell Disease Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Right now, close to 100,000 people in the United States, many of whom are children, spend days experiencing acute pain, dealing with costly and uncomfortable hospitalizations, and fighting off infections – all common side effects associated with sickle cell disease (SCD). Thanks to innovative advancements in care and treatment, most people living with SCD now…