Continuity of expert care from childhood through adulthood improves quality of life and prevents gaps in therapy
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—from childhood diagnosis through adulthood. With dedicated clinics in Greenville and Columbia, the center ensures seamless continuation of care and access to advanced treatments, thanks in part to a $2 million investment from the State of South Carolina.
The expansion marks a significant milestone in sickle cell care offered by Prisma Health in South Carolina, 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.”
With the support from the South Carolina legislature, increased access to these cutting-edge services is becoming a reality. “I am thrilled the state’s support will help to build on the transformative work of Dr. Anderson and his sickle cell team at Prisma Health and expand access to lifelong care across South Carolina in a significant way,” said South Carolina Representative Chandra Dillard of District 23.
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. He said, “I can most definitely count on my doctors and the staff here. 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 multidisciplinary 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.”
- Prisma Health Sickle Cell Lifespan Center – Columbia
3010 Farrow Rd., Ste 300A, Columbia, SC 29203. Call 803-434-6100 to schedule an appointment. - Prisma Health Sickle Cell Lifespan Center – Greenville
900 W. Faris Road, 2nd floor, Greenville, SC 29605 (located within the BI-LO Charities Children’s Cancer Center). Call 864-455-8898 to schedule an appointment.
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.
About Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. People with SCD produce abnormal hemoglobin, which causes red blood cells to become hard, sticky, and shaped like a sickle. These cells can block blood flow, leading to pain, organ damage, infections, and other serious complications. SCD is present from birth and disproportionately affects people of African descent.
According to a 2023 model published by the American Society of Hematology, an estimated 4,500 South Carolinians live with SCD. The state has recognized the need for improved care coordination and access, particularly for adults, and has launched initiatives such as the South Carolina Sickle Cell Disease Registry to better understand and serve this population.
About Prisma Health
Prisma Health is a private nonprofit health company with over 32,000 team members, 19 acute and specialty hospitals, 3,131 licensed beds, 320 practice sites, and more than 5,900 employed and independent clinicians across its clinically integrated inVio Health Network. Each year, Prisma Health serves more than 1.6 million patients in South Carolina and Tennessee. Connect with Prisma Health on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter/X.