Cayenne Wellness Center is set to host its fifth annual Hispanic Heritage Month Educational Summit on September 15-16, 2026, at the Marriott Long Beach Downtown in Long Beach, California, with an online attendance option. The two-day event is designed for healthcare professionals, educators, social workers, students, and Hispanic and Latino individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease, as well as the broader community. The summit seeks to unite sickle cell warriors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, advocates, community leaders, and organizations to shed light on the disease and address the unique experiences and challenges faced by Hispanic and Latino populations.
The timing of the summit coincides with National Sickle Cell Awareness Month and the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, creating a significant opportunity to highlight the intersection of culture, health, and identity in sickle cell care. Programming will explore the relationship between country of origin, genetic background, and community-centered education, while providing practical tools for warriors to advocate for themselves and navigate the disease, comorbidities, and related health concerns.
A central component of the summit is the inclusion of lived experience through a warrior-led roundtable, where individuals living with sickle cell disease will share their perspectives directly with attendees. The program will also address the critical transition from pediatric to adult care and feature breakout discussions on men's health, women's health, international sickle cell warriors, and domestic and international providers and caregivers.
In addition to educational sessions, the summit aims to strengthen relationships across the sickle cell community. 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.
Sponsors for the event include Beam Therapeutics, Inc. as a GOLD sponsor, and Chiesi USA, Inc. and Global Rare Diseases as SILVER sponsors. Registration is now open, and interested attendees can register at https://cayennewellness.org/espanol/hispanic-heritage-virtual-seminar-2026. Organizations interested in vendor or exhibitor opportunities can reserve a table at https://tinyurl.com/HHVENDOR2026.
Cayenne Wellness Center and Children's Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2000, dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals living with sickle cell disease in California. The organization provides expert, unbiased, and comprehensive care while promoting education, advocacy, and awareness for healthcare providers, patients, and the wider community. With a strong grassroots network and a commitment to equity, Cayenne Wellness continues to be a trusted leader in advancing sickle cell support and resources.
