Mental health issues complicate treatment for sickle cell patients
April Ward-McGrory is a sickle cell patient, double amputee and advocate for those living with sickle cell disease. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian)
“It really hurts when it’s somebody you think is going to at least try to understand or be empathetic … all they see is my Black face and my sickle cell,” said April Ward-McGrory. She’s had both legs amputated because of sepsis and nearly died several times from complications related to the sickle cell disease.
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Sickle Cell Disease social determinates of health Mental health UTHSC Methodist University HospitalAisling Mäki
Aisling Mäki has been writing about Memphis since she moved to the city more than 20 years ago. She’s worked for print, digital and broadcast news outlets, including Memphis Daily News and Action News 5 (WMC), as well as public relations agencies. Her work has earned awards from The Associated Press, Tennessee Press Association, Society of Professional Journalists and Public Relations Society of America.
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