The Sickle Cell Association of Antigua & Barbuda, a dedicated community organization that has supported local individuals and families affected by the disease for over a decade, has generously donated 165 copies of the book “Voices of Sickle Cell” to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC).
The donation is intended for doctors and nurses at SLBMC, strengthening clinical understanding through lived experiences, patient perspectives, and best-practice insights in sickle cell care.
The book, written by Dr. Edda Hadeed, President of the Sickle Cell Association of Antigua & Barbuda, brings together lived experiences from local and international sickle cell patients, families, and medical professionals, alongside expert clinical insights from internationally recognized specialists.
The Association has requested that the books be distributed to doctors and nurses at SLBMC to support patient-centered care.
𝗗𝗿. 𝗛𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗱 explained that the book was created to bridge an important gap in understanding:
“As medical providers, we care deeply about our patients and want to do the best by them, but it is not always easy to fully appreciate someone else’s lived reality.
Voices of Sickle Cell brings together real experiences from patients, families, and clinicians, offering insight into the daily challenges of living with sickle cell disease while also promoting best practices in care.
We are proud to place this resource in the hands of SLBMC’s nurses and doctors, who serve our sickle cell community every day.”
𝗗𝗿. 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝘃𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲-𝗝𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘀, 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗟𝗕𝗠𝗖, welcomed the donation and highlighted the broader impact of the Association’s work:
“This donation is a powerful example of what’s possible when community advocacy and healthcare come together with a shared purpose.
The Sickle Cell Association of Antigua & Barbuda has been a steadfast partner for more than a decade, and Voices of Sickle Cell will help our doctors and nurses deepen their understanding of the lived experiences behind the diagnosis.
That perspective is essential to delivering truly compassionate, patient-centered care, and we are grateful for this meaningful contribution.”
SLBMC noted that initiatives like this strengthen the hospital’s ability to deliver holistic, patient-centered care and underscore the importance of community organizations in supporting national healthcare.
“Voices of Sickle Cell” is also being highlighted as a powerful and thoughtful gift this holiday season, offering readers deep insight and compassion into the lived experience of sickle cell disease.
Available now on Amazon, every purchase directly supports the Sickle Cell Association of Antigua & Barbuda’s vital work in education, patient care, and community awareness.
