The inaugural Tate Holbrook Annual Sickle Cell Disease Update is hosted by East Carolina University’s Comprehensive Sickle
Cell Program and the Department of Pediatrics Hematology/Oncology. Dr. Holbrook is a pediatric hematologist who founded
the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease Program at East Carolina University in 1973. He has recently retired from practicing
pediatrics, but his legacy continues in our department.

At ECU, the concept of comprehensive care is interpreted broadly. We believe in providing state of the art medical care for
patients, including education of families and health care providers, psychosocial support to patients, families and community
groups, and access to new and innovative therapies. We strive to have a close working relationship with other agencies involved
in the care of individuals with hemoglobinopathies (medical centers, community-based sickle cell programs, and the NC Sickle
Cell Syndrome Program).

The goal of this conference is to bring together medical professionals and patients to bridge the gap of communication and
to improve treatment for patients with sickle cell disease. To meet this goal professionals with extensive knowledge and
recognition in the sickle cell community will be discussing: The latest advances in sickle cell disease, cutting edge research,
established and new medications and therapies, as well as psychosocial interventions. We want to encourage further discussion
between providers and patients to create an environment which focuses on patient needs.