In December 2013, Laura M. DeCastro, M.D. resigned from her position at Duke University as Director of Adult Sickle Cell Services. During this time, the adult Sickle Cell patients were told that the Division of Hematology was actively searching for a new faculty member to assume Dr. DeCastro's leadership and clinical activities, as well expand the opportunities for clinical research in sickle cell disease. As of October 2015 (almost 2 years later), Duke University has yet to hire a new Hematology physician medical doctor to fill this role.

The need for a hematology medical doctor to fill the position vacated by Dr. Laura DeCastro and her historical predecessors, Dr. Wendall Ross, Dr. George Phillips and Dr. Marilyn Telen, is profound. The qualified individual should not only be clinically excellent but also provide leadership to the George Phillips Adult Sickle Cell Center. The qualified individual should also be able to develop programs and effectively collaborate with the different medical entities that provide healthcare to patients with Sickle Cell, i.e. Clinics, ER Department, and Day Hospital (recently changed to Infusion Center.)

The level of required leadership is to be exemplary for the State of North Carolina and a guide nationally as the individuals who served in this role have previously fulfilled. The George Phillips Adult Sickle Cell Center has been led by providers that have been highly competent, caring and compassionate, as well as, clinicians who conducted ground breaking research and made invaluable input to the State of North Carolina and national healthcare delivery system. They have been major contributors to the national advancement of research for a cure and to protocols that defined quality care for all persons living with the challenges of sickle cell disease. We expect the same caliber of practitioner that will be willing to step into this critical role.

Please join us in requesting Duke University provide families with a new full-time, dedicated Clinical Director of Adult Sickle Cell Services by signing this Petition. We feel it is an absolute necessity to provide patients with preventive and comprehensive care that addresses their medical/health needs in order to promote a good quality of life.

On behalf of the Sickle Cell Support Group of Durham County and Bridges Pointe Support Services Organization, Thank You.