Charles r. drew university of medicine and science

Charles r. drew university of medicine and science Reviews

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Today was the annual Sickle Cell Festival at Charl...

Today was the annual Sickle Cell Festival at Charles Drew University (CDU). Drew is a HBCU (Historically Black University) located in Los Angeles. Charles Drew, MD was a physician-surgeon and the father of American blood banking. He created a blood banking system to aid military healthcare professionals with the medical treatment of American soldiers during WWII. He also was the first to separate plasma from blood and show that it alone can be just as effective as whole blood. CDU os a medical school and public health institution. The school is also associated with the MLK Jr. Community Hospital.

MLK Jr. Hospital is a free LA county hospital that provides medical services to everyone. It is also a very special hospital because it's the only one of its kind to offer medical treatment to adult sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. This is very important because once SCD patients age out of pediatric care, having their crises managed at regular hospitals can be very challenging. Most SCD patients go to the Emergency Room when they're in pain. Unfortunately, most ER personnel know nothing about SCD. And when these patients show up, they're complaining about extreme pain that has no traditionally familiar ailment to account for it. Additionally, what makes them suspucious is that they have many track marks on their arms (they receive monthly blood transfusions). They are also often able to tell the doctor exactly what type of pain medication, and/or dosage (which is often very high) they need. As a result, they are almost always automatically labeled as drug addicts looking for a hit. Luckily, SCD experts such as Dr. Elliott Vichinsky of Children's hospital Oakland have created Passports for SCD patients aging out of pediatric care, to take with them to the ER. The Passport describes to the ER personnel what sickle cell is and how it presents during a crisis. This very simple provision has saved many lives. Hopefully, these Passports will be implemented nationwide. Those lucky enough to go directly to MLK Jr do not need a Passport, as the hospital is familiar with the disease and exactly how to manage the crisis.
Today wasn't about any of that though. We are here to celebrate brave children and adults with food, popcorn, entertainment, and so much Halloween candy!

PSA: If you are in a black\black relationship and are planning on starting a family, PLEASE be responsible and have yourselves tested for the sickle cell mutation. Happy Saturday, y'all!

My family and me are so thankful with you for thes...

My family and me are so thankful with you for these free drive thru test and be able to save lives in case someone is positive and stop spreading this virus. God bless us all and keeping making us safe!!

It was a bit surreal .I went to get tested for cov...

It was a bit surreal .I went to get tested for covid 19. Had to drive thru, stay in the car and follow directions and hurry up and wait . They were very efficient at getting all these hundreds of cars thru. You must make an appointment, but I also saw a line for non appointments .I took some pics for you to check out .

Had an appointment for COVID testing and was direc...

Had an appointment for COVID testing and was directed to this snake of a line (supposedly for appointments) only to spend upwards of 2+ hours going around the block back towards where I originally started. A security officer passing asked if I had an appointment, and after I told him "yes" he instructs me to just park and walk up and show my appointment confirmation. Whoever that officer was, THANK YOU....after parking I spent approximately 20 minutes total including: getting checked in, getting my sample package, doing the actual swab test, and dropping it in the container. Please find a better way to service those with appointments first...cause that wait is atrocious ...and thank to those who are and have been on the front lines throughout the pandemic.

Charles r. drew university of medicine and science

Charles r. drew university of medicine and science

4.2