Cayenne Wellness Center and Children's Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of those with sickle cell disease, has announced its 5th Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Educational Summit, scheduled for September 15-16, 2026, at the Marriott Long Beach Downtown in Long Beach, California. The two-day event, which will also be available online, is strategically timed to coincide with National Sickle Cell Awareness Month and the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, underscoring the importance of addressing the intersection of culture, health, and identity in sickle cell care.
The summit is designed for healthcare professionals, educators, social workers, students, Hispanic and Latino individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease, and other community members. Its primary goal is to unite sickle cell warriors, caregivers, advocates, and organizations to shed light on the condition, with a specific focus on the unique challenges faced by Hispanic and Latino communities. These populations often encounter barriers to care, including limited culturally relevant resources and lower awareness of the disease, which can lead to disparities in health outcomes.
Key programming will feature culturally relevant education, community voices, and advocacy, with sessions exploring the relationship between country of origin, genetic background, and community-centered sickle cell education. A warrior-led roundtable will provide a platform for individuals living with the disease to share their lived experiences directly with attendees, fostering a deeper understanding of the daily realities of sickle cell. Additionally, the summit will address the critical transition from pediatric to adult care, a period when many patients face gaps in care, and will include breakout discussions on men's health, women's health, international sickle cell warriors, and the perspectives of domestic and international providers and caregivers.
The event is supported by prominent sponsors, including Beam Therapeutics, Inc. as a GOLD sponsor, and Chiesi USA, Inc. and Global Rare Diseases as SILVER sponsors. These partnerships underscore the importance of collaborative efforts to advance sickle cell education and support. Beyond the educational sessions, the summit will offer vendor and exhibitor tables for community-based organizations, businesses, healthcare providers, and others to share resources and connect with attendees, strengthening the broader sickle cell community network.
Registration is now open for interested participants. Sickle cell warriors, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and advocates can register at Cayenne Wellness Hispanic Heritage Seminar. Organizations and businesses seeking to showcase their services can reserve a vendor or exhibitor table by visiting this link.
Cayenne Wellness Center and Children's Foundation, established in 2000, has been a trusted leader in sickle cell advocacy in California, providing expert care, education, and support. This summit represents a significant step toward achieving health equity for Hispanic and Latino individuals affected by sickle cell disease, ensuring they receive the culturally responsive care and resources they deserve.
