Global Blood Therapeutics commits $250,000 to support sickle cell disease community amid COVID-19
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Global Blood Therapeutics committed $250,000 to support the sickle cell disease community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The company’s newly established its GBT Community Fund will provide $150,000 in grants to nonprofits that address the acute needs of people with sickle cell disease in the United States.
The company also made a $100,000 donation to Sickle Cell Disease Association of America [SCDAA] that will be used to support individuals living with sickle cell disease.
“In the face of COVID-19, many individuals and families living with sickle cell disease are facing serious and overwhelming challenges as a result of the pandemic, leaving them with a wide range of critical needs,” Ted W. Love, MD, president and CEO of Global Blood Therapeutics, said in a press release. “Patients and caregivers battling this devastating disorder need help during this unprecedented time, and [Global Blood Therapeutics] is proud to support this community, with which we have long been a partner. It was important for us to make it as easy as possible for a national organization like SCDAA and local community-based organizations around the country to access much needed resources.”
The CDC identified sickle cell disease as one of the underlying medical conditions that may increase the risk for serious COVID-19 infection. In addition, individuals with the disease require multidisciplinary care. Access can be challenging at any time, but even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many patients with sickle cell disease and their family members are struggling to access critical services and require help to meet their basic needs. These include access to food, water and protective gear, as well as transportation, mental health services and more.
The $150,000 worth of grants will help address these needs and offer direct relief for patients and their families.
U.S. nonprofit organizations that work to address the immediate needs of those with sickle cell disease are eligible to apply. Applications will be accepted until April 17. For more information, including application instructions, go to gbt-portal.idea-point.com/patient-CBO.aspx.
The donation to Sickle Cell Disease Association of America is in response to the group’s call for urgent support for its COVID-19 Emergency Fund.
“Right now, we in the sickle cell disease community are facing an unparalleled challenge due to the ever-changing pandemic, and it’s vital that we work together to support those who are most impacted,” Beverley Francis-Gibson, president of the association, said in a press release. “With [Global Blood Therapeutics’] support, we surpassed our initial goal of raising $100,000 in 10 days and now have critical resources to deploy to our non-profit member organizations that are on the front lines supporting the urgent health, economic and other basic needs of sickle cell disease patients.”