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 will also be available online, and is designed for healthcare professionals, educators, social workers, students, Hispanic and Latino individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease, and members of the broader community.
The summit comes at a significant time, as September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, and the event begins on September 15, the opening of Hispanic Heritage Month. This convergence provides an opportunity to highlight the intersection of culture, health, identity, and sickle cell disease, according to the announcement. The program will focus on culturally relevant education, community voices, advocacy, and dialogue aimed at improving awareness, health equity, and access to quality care.
Beam Therapeutics, Inc. is the gold sponsor for the event, while Chiesi USA, Inc. and Global Rare Diseases serve as silver sponsors. The summit will feature a warrior-led roundtable, allowing individuals living with sickle cell disease to share their perspectives directly with attendees. Breakout sessions will address the transition from pediatric to adult care, as well as men's health, women's health, international sickle cell warriors, and domestic and international providers and caregivers.
Programming will explore the relationship between country of origin, genetic background, and community-centered sickle cell education, providing practical tools for patients to advocate for themselves and manage comorbidities. The summit also aims to strengthen community relationships, with vendor and exhibitor tables available for community organizations, healthcare organizations, businesses, and others to share resources.
Registration is now open for warriors, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, advocates, and community organizations. Interested attendees can register at https://cayennewellness.org/espanol/hispanic-heritage-virtual-seminar-2026. Vendor and exhibitor opportunities are also available, with reservations through https://tinyurl.com/HHVENDOR2026.
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 education, advocacy, and support for patients, healthcare providers, and the wider community. More information is available at CayenneWellness.org.
