In Kern County, only a limited number of healthcare professionals are willing and able to provide the necessary SCD care, and the health care delivery system is poorly organized to facilitate the needs of this population. As a result, people living with SCD often resort to episodic acute care to manage pain, the hallmark of the disease. We understand the barriers, racism and stigma associated with the disease and the wait time in the Emergency room. Treatment for sickle cell disease must be aimed to relieve pain, prevent infections, and manage complications. Patients should seek care from a doctor who specializes in blood disorders (hematologist) or a clinic that is experienced in treating sickle cell disease.

As a Community Base Organization (CBO), Hina Patel Foundation is very grateful to Russell Judd (CEO of KMC) and Dr. Cobos (Hematologist/oncologist) at KMC for recognizing the need for a sickle cell center in Bakersfield. Additionally, we are thankful for Dr. Diane Nugent (founder of CIBD), Mary Brown, and the Networking California Sickle Cell Care for the grant.

Through the grant, in March of 2020, HPF hired a community health worker (CHW). CHW will be responsible for assisting individuals with SCD adopt healthy behaviors. The CHW will also serve as the primary role to find, refer and assist new patients with enrollment in clinical care at the clinic sites developed at Kern Medical through the NCSCC.

We are fortunate to have a willing hematologist, Dr. Cobos, at Kern Medical. serving our SCD population. He comes with great expertise from Texas where he took care of a lot of SCD patients. He understands the complexity and barriers of the disease, and above all he is a very compassionate doctor.  He is implementing evidence-based interventions (preventive, acute, and post-acute services) that every individual living with SCD should receive. Dr. Cobos has already started the sickle cell center, which is currently open on the second Monday of each month from 1pm to 5pm by appointment. As need arises, he is willing to expand.

Both Dr. Cobos and HPF, want to provide comprehensive coordinated care management aimed at preventing SCD complications and reducing its burden. Our aim is to have multidisciplinary team experts working together such as addressing preventative sickle cell care, pain management, depression and various complications to provide whole person care.

Sickle Cell Clinic Address: 1111 Columbus St. Bakersfield CA, 93305
Phone: 661-619-0033
Open by Appointment:  Every 2nd Monday of Month
Hours: 1pm to 5pm.