Congressman Rich McCormick announced on Apr. 15 the relaunch of the Congressional Sickle Cell Disease Caucus for the 119th Congress, together with Congressman Glenn Ivey. The caucus is described as a bipartisan group focused on advancing policies to improve the lives of people affected by sickle cell disease.
The issue is significant because sickle cell disease disproportionately affects certain communities and has historically received limited attention and funding. The caucus aims to raise awareness, support research, strengthen access to care, and build legislative support for federal funding addressing sickle cell needs.
“I am proud to serve as a co-chair for the relaunch of the Congressional Sickle Cell Disease Caucus alongside Congressman Glenn Ivey. As an ER Physician and former Morehouse School of Medicine Student Body President, I have seen firsthand the importance of expanding access to address health outcomes. This caucus will serve as a critical forum to ensure that those who suffer from Sickle Cell Disorder maintain access to the critical care that they deserve,” said Congressman Rich McCormick (GA-07).
Congressman Glenn Ivey (MD-04) also commented: “The reconstitution of the Sickle Cell Disease Caucus is a critical step toward addressing a disease that has disproportionately impacted the Black community for far too long while remaining underfunded and overlooked. We have a responsibility to drive meaningful investments in research, expand access to care, and accelerate the search for lasting treatments and cures for those living with sickle cell disease. I look forward to working with members from both parties to address this issue.”
McCormick currently represents Georgia’s 6th district in Congress after defeating Bob Christian in 2024 with nearly 65 percent of votes according to official election results. He replaced Lucy McBath in this role beginning in 2023 according to Ballotpedia. He was born in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1968, is now aged 54, lives in Suwanee according to his official House biography, holds degrees from Oregon State University (1990) and National University (2010), as reported by Wikipedia.
The formation of this caucus marks another effort by lawmakers from both parties aiming at greater healthcare equity through targeted policy initiatives.
