For too long, adult patients living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in Scarborough have faced barriers to specialized care, often having to travel far from home to receive the latest treatments. But that’s changing. Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is leading the way in transforming sickle cell care, implementing cutting-edge healthcare standards, and creating innovative programs that ensure patients receive the comprehensive, high-quality care they deserve—right in their own community.
SCD is one of the most common genetically inherited disease in Canada and predominately affects people who identify as Black with individuals of African and Caribbean descent facing the highest prevalence. 3,500 Ontarians are affected by SCD – with the number increasing annually due to large amounts of migration from countries with high disease prevalence. It is a significant health concern for Scarborough’s diverse population, particularly as systemic healthcare barriers have historically led to gaps in treatment and access for Black individuals living with SCD.
Dr. Kevin Kuo, SHN’s Vice President of Research and Innovation, grew up in Scarborough, and he is playing a key role in the creation of a newly formed adult sickle cell clinic and sickle cell disease team. Having experienced firsthand the challenges of accessing cutting-edge treatment in in our community, Dr. Kuo is dedicated to changing that reality.
“I grew up in West Hill/Guildwood area in Scarborough, and I always felt that those of us who live in Scarborough often have difficulty accessing the latest treatment options, in particular clinical trials, that the downtown hospitals offer. I want to change that and find new ways to bring these options to the community where patients live, ensuring they have access to cutting-edge treatment options without having to travel far from home,” he says.
Recognizing the urgent need to improve care for those living with this complex disease, SHN has taken critical steps to enhance its SCD Clinic by implementing Ontario Health’s new Sickle Cell Disease Quality Standards. In 2023, SHN formed an SCD Steering Committee and developed a new service model, which has since seen a major improvement in emergency wait times for SCD patients. In 2025, following the Steering Committee’s findings, SHN established a new SCD team to better address patient needs.
A major challenge for individuals with SCD is the transition from paediatric to adult care. Scarborough has a dedicated paediatric sickle cell clinic, but until recently lacked an adult-focused facility, leaving young adults without consistent, specialized care. To bridge this gap, SHN co-created an adult sickle cell clinic designed in consultation with the community and led by a multidisciplinary team of nurse practitioners, physician assistants, social workers, and doctors, including Dr. Kuo who is an internationally recognized researcher and expert in sickle cell disease. This comprehensive model ensures that adult patients receive ongoing, specialized care tailored to their needs.
“Sickle cell disease is caused by a small genetic change in hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood,” explains Dr. Kuo. He emphasizes that while current treatments such as blood transfusions and pain management only provide some relief, new therapies including gene therapy and stem cell transplants, offer hope for better long-term outcomes. “There are only a few treatments for sickle cell disease. For the excruciatingly painful sickle cell crises, we use fluids, oxygen, and pain medications like morphine, but they only treat the symptoms and not the underlying problem.” he adds.
As part of its commitment to innovation, SHN is also expanding access to clinical trials, ensuring that patients in Scarborough have opportunities to benefit from emerging treatments. “I want to bring these options to the community where patients live,” says Dr. Kuo. “By conducting community-based research and engaging with patients, we can tailor treatment options to their unique needs and improve overall health outcomes.”
Through these initiatives, SHN is not only advancing sickle cell care but also reaffirming its dedication to health equity. By addressing healthcare disparities and investing in research and innovation, SHN is making a lasting impact on the lives of individuals living with SCD in Scarborough and beyond.
SHN’s second Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Town Hall is just around the corner on February 22! This event is aimed at co-designing high-quality, culturally safe care with our patients, their families, and engaged community members.
When: February 22, 1 – 3 p.m.
Where: Centenary Hospital, Dr. Bruce Johnston Conference Room, 3rd Floor
Attendees can register here.