Coping With Sickle Cell Disease During The COVID-19 Pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic is difficult in a number of ways, but it’s especially hard for those who live with sickle cell disease.

The inherited red blood cell disorder happens when there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout a person’s body. People with the disorder have red blood cells that are crescent or sickle-shaped, instead of round.

WABE’s host of “All Things Considered” Jim Burress spoke to Dr. James Eckman, a professor emeritus in the Department of Hematology and Oncology at Emory University School of Medicine, and Mia Robinson, who has sickle cell disease and is a professional patient advocate.