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Bill seeks state guidance to support college students with sickle cell disease
Summary
House Bill 60 would direct Maryland health officials and institutions of higher education to develop programs, individualized plans and training to support students with sickle cell disease; advocates described students attending class in pain and urged a favorable report.
Delegate Edith Patterson sponsored House Bill 60, saying the measure is inspired by contact with a college student with sickle cell disease (SCD) who struggled academically during crises. Patterson said the bill would encourage the Maryland Department of Health to develop tailored programs, training and institutional policies to support students with SCD and other chronic conditions.
Nikia K. Vaughn, executive director of the Maryland Sickle Cell Disease Association, testified that some professors do not allow excused absences or make‑up work when students are hospitalized for SCD crises, and that some students attend class while actively in pain out of fear of academic consequences. "No student should ever have to choose between their health and their education," she said.
Tanika Hoffman, founder of the Sickle Cell Coalition of Maryland and a person living with SCD, described how federal disability protections are implemented inconsistently across campuses and urged uniform state guidance so accommodations do not depend on individual instructors.
Questions from Delegate Acevedo raised concerns about reductions in NIH research funding and the broader impact on treatments and services; witnesses confirmed federal research cuts have delayed or hindered trials and resources.
The sponsor requested a favorable report; the committee did not record a formal vote during this hearing.
