Rep. Karlton Howard, The Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Richmond County Schools and The Lamar Medical Center Launch Provider Training and Mental Health Program in Richmond[...]

ATLANTA - State Representative Karlton Howard (D-Augusta), in partnership with The Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc. (SCFG), the Richmond County School System and The Lamar Medical Center, announce the launch of a comprehensive sickle cell provider training and mental health program in Richmond County, Georgia.

"I am deeply committed to this innovative collaboration for Augusta," said Rep. Howard. "The personal loss of my grandson to sickle cell anemia provides a continuous drive for my advocacy. This partnership marks another significant step toward providing much-needed aid for those affected by this devastating disease and hopefully provides steps to finding a cure."

"This partnership is truly historic," said Tabatha McGee, CEO of The Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc. "For the first time in Richmond County, providers, schools and legislators are coming together to ensure that people living with sickle cell disease receive not only quality medical care but also critical mental health support. Together, we are building a model that can change lives and transform communities."

"When our students' health needs are supported, they are better able to thrive in the classroom and beyond," said Dr. Malinda Cobb, Superintendent of Schools for the Richmond County School System. "This partnership strengthens the network of care for students with sickle cell disease and their families, helping them succeed in school and in life."

"Lamar Medical Center is proud to stand alongside the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Representative Howard and the Richmond County School System in launching this important health initiative," said Pat Duncan, Nurse Practitioner/Executive Director for The Lamar Medical Center. "By equipping providers with specialized training and expanding mental health services, we are ensuring that sickle cell patients in our community receive the comprehensive care they deserve."

This initiative is designed to improve healthcare outcomes for individuals living with sickle cell disease by providing specialized training for medical providers and addressing the mental health needs of patients, their families and their caregivers. Rep. Howard highlights that the program represents a first-of-its-kind collaboration in the region, combining legislative support, community healthcare expertise and educational engagement.

The free program will roll out on October 10, 2025, at the Richmond County School System Transportation Assembly Room, 4950 Mike Padgett Highway, Augusta, GA 30906. Rep. Howard emphasizes that the purpose of the program is to create a replicable model for other counties across Georgia. He further notes that by bringing together healthcare providers, schools, legislators and community advocates, the initiative aims to strengthen support for individuals with sickle cell disease and their families, both within and beyond the clinic.

This event is approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s) and is open to the medical community and the public. Preregistration is highly recommended but is not required.

Representative Karlton Howard represents the citizens of District 129, which includes a portion of Richmond County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves on the Education, Interstate Cooperation and Public & Community Health committees.

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