Andre Harris

Andre aspires to pursue a PhD in Medical Sociology or Social Work. He is committed to working in the public health arena to improve quality of care for those who suffer with Sickle Cell Disease. Andre's professional goals include him working to influence healthcare policy that directly influences patients with Sickle Cell Disease and involving himself in advocacy efforts to better improve patient centered care/outcomes for those living with Sickle Cell Disease on a national level. Destigmatizing Sickle Cell Disease dispelling myths about the disease are one of the passions that Mr. Harris has. He also is passionate about patient education, realizing that patients are their best advocates and if they are properly equipped with education about their disease, they can not only advocate for themselves but others who also suffer like they do. Mr. Harris would like to one day be the Director of a Community Based Organization or a Nonprofit Organization that supports Sickle Cell patients, open housing reserved for sickle cell patients and their families, and a specialty clinic dedicated to caring for Sickle Cell patients and the complex healthcare issues they face. Andre's research interest focuses on the Barriers to Healthcare, Social Determinants of Health and the impact of socioeconomic issues on the overall healthcare of patients and how to eliminate the stigma patients face with Sickle Cell Disease. Transportation and Housing are two of the most important social determinants of health, and Mr. Harris believes that increased access to both will greatly improve outcomes and adherence for any patient in the healthcare system. Mr. Harris is also interested in the psychosocial factors that impact Sickle Cell Disease and the patients who suffer with it.