arts
New Florida law requires sickle cell training for drug prescribers
By Larry Seward at CBS4 Miami
· June 29, 2026
· 2 min read
A new law going into effect requires anyone prescribing any drug in Florida to get certified training on sickle cell treatment."It's accountability," Andrea Hall, the Executive Director of Shak's Hope Foundation, said. "It's what's important."Hall's daughter Shakira, 30, died from the disease 10 yea
Key takeaway "It's accountability," Andrea Hall, the Executive Director of Shak's Hope Foundation, said.
Why this matters in The Miami
In Miami , where a significant portion of the population is of Caribbean and Latin American descent, the impact of sickle cell disease is deeply felt. The new law requiring certified training for drug prescribers has the potential to make a tangible difference in the lives of patients who have long faced stigma and bias in the healthcare system. As Dr. Ogunsile noted, 90% of people with the disease are Black, and Miami's demographics make it a critical location for implementing this training. The city's healthcare providers, including those at Memorial Healthcare System, will play a crucial role in ensuring that patients receive compassionate and supportive care. With the law's implementation, patients like Josiah Frierson may finally feel more confident seeking medical attention without fear of judgment, and organizations like Shak's Hope Foundation can continue to push for improved care and understanding of the disease.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A new law going into effect requires anyone prescribing any drug in Florida to get certified training on sickle cell treatment."It's accountability," Andrea Hall, the Executive Director of Shak's Hope Foundation, said. "It's what's important."Hall's daughter Shakira, 30, died from the disease 10 yea
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Larry Seward at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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