IASCNAPA
VIRTUAL
SICKLE CELL NURSING CONGRESS 2026
About The Event
The **Sickle Cell Nursing Congress 2026**, themed *Advancing Nursing Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease: Global Wellness, Holistic Care, and Shared Wisdom*, convenes nurses, researchers, and global health leaders dedicated to transforming care for individuals living with sickle cell disease. This Congress emphasizes nursing leadership, equitable practice, and international collaboration to strengthen outcomes across diverse healthcare systems and communities.
Through keynote presentations, interactive sessions, and global panel discussions, participants will explore the Global Wellness Pathway, mental health integration, youth-centered self-management, holistic and integrative care approaches, therapeutic communication, and inclusive, community-driven research initiatives such as the PCORI project. Together, attendees will share perspectives, address emerging challenges, and chart forward-thinking strategies to advance excellence in sickle cell nursing worldwide.
THANK YOU SILVER SPONSORS!
AGENDA
8:30 AM / Welcome & Opening Remarks
Speakers:
Dr. Cheryl Brewer, Conference Chair
9:00 AM / Keynote Address
Title: Global Wellness Pathway: Mental Health in Sickle Cell Care
Topics:
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Mental health in sickle cell disease
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Global disparities in mental health care
Speakers:
Dr. Lori Vick, Dr. Cheedy Jaja
9:45 AM / Session 1
Title: Co-Designing Self-Management With Youth: Shared Stories, Transition Readiness, and Social Wellness in Sickle Cell Disease
Subtitle: Empowering Patients and Families Through Health Promotion Strategies
Topics:
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Preventive care and age-specific counseling
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Evidence-based self-management tools
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Reducing emergency utilization through anticipatory guidance
Speakers:
Dr. Dora Clayton-Jones, Mr. Malik Aro, BS
10:15 AM / BREAK
Take a break and come on back
10:30 AM / Session 2
Title: Holistic and Integrative Medicine Approaches in Sickle Cell Nursing
Subtitle: Mind–Body Modalities and Supportive Therapies
Topics:
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Nutrition and lifestyle considerations
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Integrative approaches to pain management
Speakers:
Dr. Kalpna Gupta
11:15 AM / PANEL DISCUSSION
Title: Global Themes in Sickle Cell Disease Care: Emerging Needs, Challenges, and Innovations
Description:
Nurses from multiple countries share perspectives on sickle cell nursing practice within their respective healthcare systems.
Panelists:
International SCD Nursing Leaders (Global Panel) – Yvonne Carroll, Moderator
Edith Muhumwayenga, Zimbabwe
Aisha Sani, Kano, Nigeria
Musawo Joel Kibonwabake, Kalangala, Uganda
Revee Agyepong, Canada
Jeremy Maier, Canada
Maricia Ramos, Brazil
12:15 pM / LUNCH
Virtual Group Photographs | Visit The Booths
12:45 pM / Session 3
Title: Communicating Uncertainty: Effective and Supportive Therapeutic Communication
Speakers:
Dr. Stephanie Ibemere
1:45 Pm / BREAK
Take a break and come on back
2:00 pM / Session 4
Title: Advancing Care in Diverse Sickle Cell Populations
Speakers:
Dr. Cheryl Brewer
2:30 PM / Session 5
Title: Creating a Theory of Change for Community-Driven Research in Sickle Cell Disease
Subtitle: PCORI Project: Creating Safe, Respectful, and Affirming Care Environments for All Individuals Living With Sickle Cell Disease
Topics:
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Addressing the healthcare experiences of individuals whose identities, relationships, or expressions may not fit traditional norms
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Considerations within a global context
Moderator:
Dr. Stephanie Ibemere, Dr. Dominique Bulgin
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Lead Panelist:
​Dr. Martha Kenney
3:30 pM / closing reflections & Next Steps
Topics:
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Summary of key takeaways
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Invitation to join global initiatives and future collaborative projects
Speakers:
Dr. Cheryl Brewer - Conference Co-Chair
Dr. Keesha Roach - Conference Co-Chair
Dr. Lori Vick - President: IASCNAPA