Cayenne Wellness Center has announced its 5th Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Educational Summit, scheduled for September 15-16, 2026, at the Marriott Long Beach Downtown in Long Beach, California. The two-day event, which will also be accessible online, is designed to unite sickle cell warriors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, advocates, community leaders, and families in an effort to shed light on sickle cell disease, with a specific focus on the Hispanic and Latino community.
The summit's timing is significant, coinciding with National Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September and the opening of Hispanic Heritage Month on September 15. This convergence provides a timely opportunity to highlight the intersection of culture, health, identity, and sickle cell disease. The programming will explore how country of origin, genetic background, and community-centered education can improve awareness, health equity, and access to quality care for affected individuals.
A central feature of the summit will be a warrior-led roundtable, where individuals living with sickle cell disease will share their personal experiences and perspectives directly with attendees. The agenda also includes discussions on the transition from pediatric to adult care, as well as breakout sessions focused on men's health, women's health, international sickle cell warriors, and the roles of domestic and international providers and caregivers.
Beyond education, the summit aims to strengthen community ties. Vendor and exhibitor tables are available for community-based organizations, businesses, healthcare organizations, authors, artists, educational institutions, and industry partners to share resources and connect with participants. This interactive component is designed to foster collaboration and resource-sharing within the sickle cell community.
Registration is now open for warriors, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, advocates, and community organizations. Interested parties can register at Cayenne Wellness Center's registration page. Vendor and exhibitor opportunities can be reserved through this link.
This summit is particularly important because sickle cell disease, while often associated with African ancestry, also affects many individuals of Hispanic and Latino descent, who may face unique cultural and linguistic barriers to care. By focusing on this population, the summit aims to address disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and support. The inclusion of lived experiences and culturally relevant education is expected to empower attendees and improve outcomes for those living with the condition.
Cayenne Wellness Center and Children's Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2000, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with sickle cell disease in California. The organization provides expert, unbiased, and comprehensive care while promoting education, advocacy, and awareness. Its commitment to equity and community engagement makes this summit a critical step toward advancing sickle cell support and resources for underserved populations.
