§18–506.

    (a)    In this section, “Steering Committee” means the Statewide Steering Committee on Sickle Cell Disease.

    (b)    There is a Statewide Steering Committee on 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.