Legislative Victories

The Sickle Cell Association of Houston (SCAH) has had an impactful presence during the 86th and 88th legislative sessions in Texas, advocating for those living with sickle cell disease. With a historic focus on legislation that supports improved quality of life, surveillance, quality healthcare, and access to treatments and therapies, SCAH has been a leader in advocating for health equity.

We will be looking forward to bring many of you along to actively participate in the process of ensuring individuals living with sickle cell disorders are indeed living without limits!

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HB 2576

Created an exemption for sickle cell patients as it pertains to prescribing and dispensing opioids. This exemption expands the current statutes that exists for cancer and hospice patients. When sickle cell patients are in crisis, the symptoms are extremely painful, this bill would allow them to benefit from pain management practices used by doctors and specialist across the state.

HB 3394

Allows the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to issue Sickle Cell Disease Awareness specialty plates, any monies after the administrative costs will go to create a program with Texas Southern University to provide grants for non-profits who provide services to persons with sickle cell disease.

HB 3405

Establishes a sickle cell task force composed of state officials, physicians, a person with sickle cell, or a parent with sickle cell and a hospital representative. This task force will present recommendations to the legislature on how to raise awareness about sickle cell disease, and present policy recommendations on how to improve sickle cell disease related issues.

HCR 117

Designates September as the official Sickle Cell Awareness month in the State of Texas.