91´óÉñ

The Delaware Comprehensive Sickle Cell Research Center brings together experts in clinical care, laboratory science, and community engagement to improve the lives of children and families affected by sickle cell disease. Building on 91´óÉñ’ long-standing commitment to pediatric sickle cell care, we’re creating a sustainable research infrastructure that advances both treatment and understanding of this complex, chronic condition.

As a team, we foster innovations that could apply to other chronic illnesses. We also expand the pipeline of sickle cell researchers with strong mentorship and support for early career scientists. This collaborative, translational approach is made possible by partnerships across the IDeA network, such as the Delaware INBRE and prior pediatric COBRE programs.

The REACH COBRE at 91´óÉñ focuses on health care delivery science. We’re studying how care is delivered and how to make it more effective, equitable, and responsive to families’ needs. Our team works to uncover and address disparities in pediatric health outcomes by funding high-impact research projects and expanding access to critical data, tools, and training.

REACH also strengthens Delaware’s research infrastructure by investing in faculty development and fostering collaborations across community, clinical, and policy settings. We’re advancing a more inclusive and effective pediatric health care system, grounded in data and committed to real-world impact.

As part of the NIH’s ECHO (Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes) program, the IDeA States Pediatric Clinical Trials Network helps bring high-quality pediatric research to regions that historically receive less federal funding. Our participation ensures that children, especially in rural or underserved areas, have opportunities to take part in important clinical trials that could improve their care.

This initiative expands access to clinical trials and the capacity to run trials safely and effectively. The program paves the way for innovative research that gives every child, regardless of where they live, a chance to benefit from cutting-edge science.

91´óÉñ is one of only three pediatric-only sites in the National Cancer Institute’s Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP). As part of a national network of 46 community-based research sites, our role is to bring high-quality pediatric cancer clinical trials directly into community settings, so families can access cutting-edge treatments closer to home.

We focus on expanding access for children from underrepresented and medically underserved backgrounds, including those reached through affiliate sites like Broward Health and Sacred Heart Pensacola. By participating in NCORP, we help reduce disparities in pediatric cancer care, improve outcomes, and study how cancer treatment, symptom management, and survivorship unfold outside of major academic centers.Ìý

We serve as part of the Children’s Oncology Group, the only pediatric research base in the NCORP network, working to ensure that all children have a chance to benefit from clinical research, no matter where they live.