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 accessible online, bringing together sickle cell warriors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, advocates, and community members to address the impact of sickle cell disease within Hispanic and Latino communities.
The summit’s timing is strategically significant, as September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, and September 15 marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month. This convergence provides a unique opportunity to highlight the intersection of culture, health, and identity in the context of sickle cell disease. According to Cayenne Wellness Center, the event will feature culturally relevant education, community voices, advocacy, and dialogue focused on improving awareness, health equity, and access to quality care.
Key sponsors for the summit include Beam Therapeutics, Inc. as a Gold sponsor, with Chiesi USA, Inc. and Global Rare Diseases serving as Silver sponsors. These partnerships underscore the collaborative effort to address health disparities and support affected communities.
The programming will explore the relationship between country of origin, genetic background, and community-centered sickle cell education. Attendees will gain practical tools for self-advocacy and managing the disease, its comorbidities, and related health concerns. A central feature is a warrior-led roundtable, where individuals living with sickle cell disease will share their personal experiences directly with attendees. Additionally, breakout sessions will focus on men’s health, women’s health, international sickle cell warriors, and the crucial transition from pediatric to adult care, along with sessions for domestic and international providers and caregivers.
Beyond education, the summit aims to strengthen community bonds. Vendor and exhibitor tables will be available for community-based organizations, businesses, healthcare providers, authors, artists, educational institutions, and industry partners to share resources and connect with participants. This creates a vibrant environment for networking and support.
The importance of this summit lies in its targeted approach to a population that is often underserved in sickle cell research and care. Hispanic and Latino individuals with sickle cell disease face unique challenges, including cultural barriers, language differences, and limited access to specialized care. By focusing on these issues, Cayenne Wellness Center aims to expand awareness and improve outcomes for this community.
Registration is now open for attendees, and those interested can sign up at Cayenne Wellness Center’s registration page. Organizations and businesses interested in exhibiting can reserve a table at this link.
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 expert, unbiased, and comprehensive care while promoting education, advocacy, and awareness. Its commitment to equity and a strong grassroots network have made it a trusted leader in sickle cell support.
