HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Presented Prestigious Award to Dr. Clarice Reid

Last month, in honor of National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Assistant Secretary for Health, ADM Rachel L. Levine, MD, presented the Assistant Secretary for Health’s (ASH) Exceptional Service Medallion to Dr. Clarice Reid, recognizing her for her outstanding contributions on behalf of the millions of people worldwide living with sickle cell disease (SCD).

This honor is awarded for exceptional achievement in public health and medicine and is the highest civilian award from the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. Dr. Reid was presented the award during the inaugural HHS SCD Summit, which was convened by Secretary Xavier Becerra on September 24, 2024.

A trailblazer in SCD research, Dr. Reid spent over two decades leading the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National SCD Program, from 1975-1998, making her the longest-tenured SCD program administrator in NIH history. Under her leadership, the program oversaw the initial appropriations and implementation of the National Sickle Cell Anemia Control Act of 1972, the first federal funding for SCD, and championed landmark studies in newborn screening and penicillin prophylaxis for children with SCD, contributing to a near-100% survival for affected children in the U.S.

“Dr. Reid’s remarkable contributions have transformed the landscape of sickle cell care and research in our country,” said ADM Levine when presenting her with the award. “She has had a profound impact on countless lives, including many warriors, mentees, and advocates here in the audience with us today. Dr. Reid’s contributions and service to SCD cannot be overstated.”

Other notable achievements during Dr. Reid’s tenure included expansion of the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Centers program, establishment of the Cooperative Study of SCD (a natural history study), the first FDA-approved SCD therapy (hydroxyurea), and groundbreaking work on stem cell transplantation, pain management, and improving the nation’s blood supply.