Louisiana Sickle Cell Commission

The Louisiana Sickle Cell Commission was established in 2013 through Louisiana Revised Statute 40:1125.1 within the Louisiana Department of Health to help improve the quality of care for individuals living with sickle cell disease in the state. The Commission serves individuals living with sickle cell disease by shaping public policy, providing oversight of statewide sickle cell services, and ensuring the effective implementation of sickle cell laws and regulations.

The Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health, Bureau of Family Health, oversees the Louisiana Sickle Cell Program, which provides staff support and policy expertise to assist the Commission with carrying out its charges outlined in the statute. Learn more by visiting the Sickle Cell Program webpage.

Responsibilities of the Louisiana Sickle Cell Commission

  • Ensure the delivery of sickle cell services to affected people in all parishes in Louisiana and assist in establishing geographical service delivery boundaries.

  • Share guidelines for creating uniformity in the delivery of services and the management of statewide programs.

  • Prepare an annual report that includes information on programs, activities, and the coordination of services relative to sickle cell disease, and an action plan to address sickle cell disease, directing the Sickle Cell Patient Navigator Program established by Louisiana Revised Statute 40:1125.21.

Goals and Priorities of the Louisiana Sickle Cell Commission

  • Develop strategies to reduce gaps in service delivery for individuals living with sickle cell disease.

  • Create a plan to improve healthcare access for children and adults living with sickle cell disease.

  • Study and improve education for physicians, educators, and others providing care for individuals living with sickle cell disease.

Membership

The Louisiana Sickle Cell Commission is composed of 17 members appointed by the Governor, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of Representatives. Membership appointments are subject to Senate confirmation and are inclusive of representatives from Tulane University School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of New Orleans, Louisiana Primary Care Association (LPCA), the Louisiana Department of Health, the Louisiana Senate, the Louisiana House of Representatives, and each of the five regional sickle cell foundations.

To apply or nominate someone for a seat on this commission, please email LSCC@la.gov.

Member Name Member Seat
Erin Fulbright Sickle Cell Association of South Louisiana
Twarnette Hardison Sickle Cell Anemia Research Foundation, Alexandria
Cheryl Harris Designee for the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health
Jacqueline Cummings Designee for the Medicaid Director of Louisiana Department of Health
Dr. Majed Jeroudi Medical professional who treats and cares for patients diagnosed with sickle cell disease
Dr. Dana LeBlanc Children's Hospital, New Orleans
Simone Martin Person diagnosed with sickle cell disease
Representative Tammy Phelps Louisiana House of Representatives
Shannon Robertson Louisiana Primary Care Association
Rosalyn Spain Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc., Northwest Louisiana Chapter
Donna Thaxton Northeast Louisiana Sickle Cell Anemia Technical Resource Foundation, Inc.
Vacant Medical professional who treats and cares for patients diagnosed with sickle cell disease
Vacant Parent of a person diagnosed with sickle cell disease
Vacant Person diagnosed with sickle cell disease
Vacant Southwest Louisiana Sickle Cell Anemia, Inc.

Meeting Information: Schedule, Minutes, and Agendas

The Louisiana Sickle Cell Commission is required to hold quarterly meetings each year, as stated in Louisiana R.S. 40:1125.1.

Meeting attendees may request accommodations to participate in a meeting. Individuals requesting accommodations should email LSCC@LA.GOV at least two weeks before the public meeting. Accommodations include, but are not limited to, requests for interpreters, accessible seating, large print, virtual attendance, and more.

Meeting Schedule:

  • February 5, 2026: Meeting Agenda | Meeting Minutes

  • April 2, 2026: Meeting Agenda | Meeting Minutes

  • June 4, 2026: Meeting Agenda | Meeting Minutes

  • July 30, 2026: Meeting Agenda | Meeting Minutes

  • October 1, 2026: Meeting Agenda | Meeting Minutes

  • December 3, 2026: Meeting Agenda | Meeting Minutes

2025 Meetings
2024 Meetings
2023 Meetings
2022 Meetings

For more information, contact the Bureau of Family Health Louisiana Sickle Cell Commission Facilitator:

Rodney.Goldsmith@la.gov
Sickle Cell Disease Strategy Manager

Surgeon General Evelyn Griffin, MD

Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein

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