Cayenne Wellness Center and Children's Foundation is set to host its 5th Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Educational Summit on September 15–16, 2026, at the Marriott Long Beach Downtown in Long Beach, California, and online. The summit is strategically timed to coincide with National Sickle Cell Awareness Month and the opening of Hispanic Heritage Month, underscoring the intersection of cultural identity and health.
The event is designed for healthcare professionals, educators, social workers, students, Hispanic and Latino individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease, and community members. Its primary goal is to unite sickle cell warriors, caregivers, and advocates to address the unique challenges faced by Hispanic and Latino communities. According to the organizers, the summit will feature culturally relevant education, community voices, and advocacy aimed at improving awareness, health equity, and access to quality care.
This year's programming includes a warrior-led roundtable where individuals living with sickle cell disease share their personal experiences, offering attendees direct insight into the realities of the condition. Sessions will also cover the critical transition from pediatric to adult care, with breakout discussions focusing on men's health, women's health, international warriors, and perspectives from providers and caregivers both domestically and internationally. Additionally, the summit will explore how country of origin and genetic background influence community-centered education and provide tools for self-advocacy.
The summit is made possible through the support of key sponsors. Beam Therapeutics, Inc. is a GOLD sponsor, while Chiesi USA, Inc. and Global Rare Diseases serve as SILVER sponsors. Their contributions are vital in bringing this educational and community-building event to fruition.
Beyond the educational sessions, the summit emphasizes community connection. Vendor and exhibitor tables are available for community-based organizations, businesses, healthcare organizations, authors, artists, educational institutions, and industry partners to share resources and engage directly with attendees. This networking opportunity aims to strengthen relationships across the sickle cell community and facilitate resource sharing.
Registration is now open for sickle cell warriors, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, advocates, and community organizations. Interested participants can register at Cayenne Wellness Center's registration page. Organizations wishing to reserve a vendor or exhibitor table can do so via this link.
Cayenne Wellness Center, 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 comprehensive care, education, and advocacy for patients, providers, and communities, with a strong focus on equity and grassroots support. For more information, visit CayenneWellness.org.
