When the shades of stigma often overshadow advancements in medical science, we must embrace new treatments and tools that make our lives and our patients’ lives easier. Following our exploration of the stigma surrounding sickle cell disease, we will shed light on what is quickly emerging as a game-changer treatment option for sickle cell disease: gene therapy. Dr. Sunny Singh, oncologist and hematologist at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, is excited about the bright future for gene therapy.

More and more health care professionals are beginning to understand the importance of addressing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their impact on an individual’s health and well-being. To promote community engagement and knowledge of ACEs and resilience, AFMC has hosted an ACEs & Resilience Summit every year for the last seven years. This year’s summit theme was the power of belonging. In case you were not able to attend this year’s Summit, here is a brief recap of the enlightening presentations, thought-provoking discussions, and practical strategies shared during this impactful event.

Food insecurity is an issue many college campuses continue to face. Recent surveys suggest that out of 195,000 students at four-year colleges, nearly 30% have reported that they struggle to feed themselves and their families. For students at two-year colleges, that percentage is even higher. To help ease the burden, colleges and universities across the nation have used grants and other funding opportunities to create food pantries that provide students and faculty with food, drinks, and other basic essentials. The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) Bear Essentials Food Bank has seen the impact the pantry has had on its community. Wendy Holbrook, assistant vice president for student affairs, oversees the pantry and knows how essential their services are to families who struggle to have their basic needs met.

In today's world, the impact of health disparities and social determinants of health on population well-being cannot be overlooked. To combat these challenges effectively, it is essential to utilize advanced technological tools. One such tool is ArcGIS, a powerful geographic information system (GIS) software that enables professionals in the health care field to better understand and address health disparities and social determinants of health. Dr. Kristy Bondurant, AFMC’s epidemiologist and director of data sciences and public health programs departments, and Sydney Lewis, supervisor of AFMC’s data sciences team, both know the impact ArcGIS can have on presenting near real-time data to the public in an impactful way.

In the world of health care, it is crucial for professionals to understand the unique challenges faced by patients with sickle cell disease. Beyond the physical symptoms and complications, these individuals often endure a silent battle against the stigma surrounding their condition. With a higher pain threshold and the ability to carry out daily tasks despite chronic pain, they are often met with skepticism from health care workers who struggle to comprehend their level of suffering. Moreover, the emotional toll of witnessing their loved one’s struggles and grappling with their own mental health issues further exacerbates their already complex situation. Dr. Sunny Singh, hematologist and oncologist at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, helps shed light on the stigma and discusses the importance of empathy and support from health care workers.