Planning Ahead
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Begin talking about transition around ages 12–14.
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Learn how to schedule appointments, refill prescriptions, and track health history.
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Create a personal “health passport” with medical history and emergency plans.
Resource Links:
Adult Care Connections
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Adult hematology clinics in South Carolina include Prisma Health (Columbia & Greenville) and MUSC (Charleston).
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Ask your pediatric provider to recommend adult specialists and set up introductions.
Resource Links:
SC Nonprofit Resource Directory
Building Confidence
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Encourage teens to ask questions during doctor visits.
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Practice skills like keeping medication lists and knowing insurance basics.
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Peer mentors and youth programs can make the process less overwhelming.
Resource Links:
Disclaimer: Rise SC does not provide medical care. These resources are for educational purposes. Always consult your healthcare provider for personal medical advice.
Transition to Adult Care
Moving from pediatric to adult care is an important milestone for teens and young adults with sickle cell disease. Planning ahead helps ensure a smooth and confident transition. As children grow into adulthood, their healthcare needs change. Adult providers focus on long-term management, independence, and complications that may not appear in childhood.