Parent advocates for sickle cell awareness and better ER treatment after daughter's death

During the recent Marion County Board of County Commissioners meeting, a poignant discussion emerged surrounding the need for increased awareness and advocacy for patients with sickle cell disease. A resident, who identified herself as a parent and a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), shared her deeply personal story about her late daughter, Rochelle Rodney, who suffered from the illness.

The speaker emphasized the importance of patient awareness in the medical field, particularly regarding the treatment of individuals with sickle cell disease in emergency rooms. She recounted a troubling experience where her daughter was not treated with the necessary care during a hospital visit, highlighting issues of racial profiling and inadequate pain management. This experience, she argued, underscores a broader systemic problem where patients with certain conditions may not receive the appropriate level of care due to biases or misunderstandings about their illnesses.

The resident called for greater accountability and monitoring of emergency room practices, urging local representatives to advocate for changes in laws that currently protect hospitals from liability in cases of misdiagnosis or inadequate treatment. She expressed her hope that by bringing attention to these issues, improvements could be made to ensure that patients receive fair and equitable treatment.

In response, the commissioners expressed their condolences for her loss and acknowledged the limitations of their authority regarding federal laws. However, they assured her that they would assist in connecting her with appropriate state and federal representatives to further her advocacy efforts.

In addition to this critical discussion, the meeting also touched on other community matters, including motorcycle safety awareness and the success of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program, which has significantly increased access to books for children in the community.

As the board continues to address various community concerns, the call for improved patient advocacy in healthcare remains a pressing issue, reflecting the ongoing need for systemic change to ensure that all residents receive the care they deserve.