Health Equity: Virginia’s New Sickle Cell Act

By Dr. Janelle St Louis

As a pharmacist, healthcare advocate, and candidate for Chesapeake City Council, I have dedicated my career to advancing health equity and improving outcomes for underserved communities.

During the 2026 Virginia General Assembly Session, I was proud to advocate for the passage of the Queen Candis Hope for Sickle Cell Act, introduced as House Bill 1147 by Delegate Cliff Hayes and Senate Bill 22 by Senator Mamie Locke.

The Queen Candis Hope for Sickle Cell Act was named in honor of Candis Mundon King, a 15-year-old girl who tragically passed away from complications of sickle cell disease. Her story became a powerful call to action for healthcare professionals, advocates, legislators, and community leaders across Virginia to address healthcare disparities and improve outcomes for individuals living with sickle cell disease.

The legislation seeks to reduce bias within healthcare systems by promoting education, awareness, and evidence-based practices that improve patient care. A key component of the legislation focuses on reducing bias in the treatment of individuals living with sickle cell disease, a patient population that has historically faced disparities, stigma, delayed treatment, and barriers to receiving appropriate medical care.

As both a pharmacist and community advocate, I actively supported the Queen Candis Hope for Sickle Cell Act throughout the legislative process. Working alongside the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, the PUSH Coalition for Maternal Health, healthcare professionals, faith leaders, and community advocates, I helped raise awareness about the importance of reducing healthcare disparities and ensuring equitable treatment for all patients.

I provided written testimony in support of the legislation and engaged directly with members of the Virginia General Assembly through emails and legislative outreach efforts. My advocacy focused on educating lawmakers about the unique challenges faced by individuals living with sickle cell disease and the importance of addressing bias in healthcare settings.

One of my most impactful moments during the legislative process involved communicating with a legislator who was also a pharmacist. Drawing upon our shared healthcare background, I wrote a detailed email explaining the realities faced by sickle cell patients and the critical need for legislation that addresses bias in their care. Through that conversation, I was able to help him better understand the challenges these patients encounter and why the Queen Candis

Hope for Sickle Cell Act was so important. Knowing that I was able to use my professional expertise to help influence the discussion surrounding this legislation remains one of the most meaningful experiences of my advocacy work.

Beyond written testimony and legislative outreach, I participated in coalition-building efforts and worked to educate stakeholders and community members about the importance of health equity legislation. These collective efforts helped build support for a bill that will positively impact countless Virginians for years to come.

The successful passage of the Queen Candis Hope for Sickle Cell Act marked a significant victory for healthcare equity in Virginia. In recognition of my advocacy and support for the legislation, I was honored to be invited to attend the official bill signing ceremony. Witnessing this important legislation become law was both humbling and inspiring, serving as a reminder that dedicated advocacy can create meaningful change.