Bill > S283

This bill appropriates funds to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services' Division of Public Health to expand programs and services for individuals with sickle cell disease. The bill allocates a total of $2,308,273 over two fiscal years (2025-2027), with both recurring and nonrecurring funds. The money will be distributed across four key areas: (1) providing funding to six comprehensive sickle cell medical centers (including Atrium Health, Duke University Medical Center, and others) to support multifaceted needs of sickle cell patients, (2) creating a Transition Coordinator position at each medical center to help patients move from pediatric to adult care, (3) offering directed grants to community-based nonprofit organizations that provide comprehensive sickle cell services in underserved counties, and (4) supporting the North Carolina Sickle Cell Syndrome Program by creating additional staff positions, purchasing office equipment, and developing an evidence-based toolkit to improve emergency department care for sickle cell patients. The bill notes that the number of North Carolinians with sickle cell disease has increased by 25% to at least 7,000 individuals, necessitating expanded support and services. The appropriations will become effective on July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S283