Lutheran Children's Hospital to visit local school to educate students on sickle cell disease
2/9/2017
Two grades will learn about the condition and how to support classmates living with it
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Friday, Feb. 10, 2017) - In an ongoing effort to support patients and their families, hematology nurses, child life specialists and social workers from Lutheran Children's Hospital sometimes take their expertise on the road. At 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. on Monday, students at Irwin Elementary School will have a unique opportunity to learn about sickle cell disease from those who deliver this specialized care.
This will be the first time Lutheran Children's Hospital has presented on sickle cell disease in a classroom setting. However, the LCH team visits the classrooms of pediatric oncology patients on average 10 times a year as requested by parents or schools.
"We are happy to educate peers and teachers about various health conditions especially for newly diagnosed students returning to school after time away due to serious health reasons," said Tammy Else, child life specialist, Lutheran Children's Hospital. "Giving children a chance to ask questions and understand why their friend misses school helps everyone feel more comfortable."
Monday's talk will entail an explanation of what sickle cell disease is; why a student with it may miss school; discussion about pain crises and what to do to be a good buddy. The classes will make a special soup to more easily understand the elements that comprise blood and how sickle cell changes the composition.
More information about Lutheran Children's Hospital services is available online at LutheranChildrensHosp.com.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Media are invited to visit Irwin, 3501 S. Anthony Blvd., at 12:30 p.m. The entire presentation is 30 minutes. Please confirm attendance with Lizette Downey prior to arrival.
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