GBT Opens 2021 ACCEL Grant Program, Providing up to $500,000 in Support to the Sickle Cell Disease Community

Grant proposals from community-based organizations and institutions accepted through April 23, 2021

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 02, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc. (GBT) (NASDAQ: GBT) today announced that it is accepting proposals for the third annual Access to Excellent Care for Sickle Cell Patients (ACCEL) Grant Program, which provides funding to accelerate the development of sustainable access-to-care programs for people living with sickle cell disease (SCD). This year, the program is doubling the total funding and number of grantees by awarding 10 grants worth up to $50,000 each. GBT will accept proposals from community-based organizations and institutions with programs designed to make it easier for patients to get SCD care and ensure that providers deliver the highest quality care possible.

“GBT is driven by our mission to transform the lives of people living with sickle cell disease, and we recognize, now more than ever, that means increasing our support of the sickle cell community,” said Jung E. Choi, chief business and strategy officer, and head of patient advocacy and government affairs at GBT. “That is why, this year, we are doubling our efforts to fund novel programs that address the inequities people with sickle cell disease face gaining access to high-quality, continuous healthcare, as well as meeting the unique needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are proud of the work past grantees have accomplished and look forward to supporting more organizations that are making a difference in the lives of people with this devastating disease.”

In previous years, the ACCEL program has selected and funded up to $250,000 to five U.S. community-based organizations and institutions serving patients with SCD and their families. With the doubling of funds for 2021, this year’s priority areas for grant proposals have expanded to include initiatives that address racial equity and COVID-19 vaccine awareness amongst the SCD community. Other priority areas include educational initiatives focused on patient empowerment, shared decision-making and enabling navigation of the healthcare system; improving transition from pediatric to adult care; community outreach models using health workers to directly facilitate access to care; and innovative training programs and outreach models.