(a) In this section, “Steering Committee” means the Statewide Steering Committee on Services for Adults with Sickle Cell Disease.
(b) There is a Statewide Steering Committee on Services for Adults with Sickle Cell Disease.
(c) The Steering Committee shall include representatives from:
(1) Local and national groups that advocate for individuals with sickle cell disease;
(2) Interest and support groups for individuals with sickle cell disease;
(3) Community and consumer groups;
(4) Academic and private clinical settings with knowledge and experience caring for adults with sickle cell disease;
(5) Area hospitals caring for individuals with sickle cell disease; and
(6) Pediatric clinics that care for children with sickle cell disease.
(d) The Steering Committee shall:
(1) Establish institution and community partnerships;
(2) Establish a statewide network of stakeholders who care for individuals with sickle cell disease;
(3) Educate individuals with sickle cell disease, the public, and health care providers about the State options for care of sickle cell disease; and
(4) Identify funding sources for implementing or supporting the actions, studies, policies, regulations, or laws recommended by the Steering Committee, including funding from:
(i) State, federal, and local government sources; and
(ii) Private sources.