Honoring Dr. Angella D. Ferguson: Advancing Equity Through Lifesaving Research
At TriHealth, we believe that advancing health means recognizing and addressing the inequities that have long shaped outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. Few people embodied that commitment more powerfully than Dr. Angella D. Ferguson, whose groundbreaking work in sickle cell anemia research transformed care for generations of children and continues to shape clinical practice today.
Dr. Ferguson, a pediatrician and researcher, was a leader in the early diagnosis and treatment of sickle cell anemia, which is a painful and life-threatening condition that disproportionately affects the Black community. At a time when the disease was often overlooked by the medical establishment, Dr. Ferguson dedicated her career to understanding it, improving outcomes, and advocating for patients who were underserved.
A Lasting Impact on Pediatric Care
In the late 1950s, Dr. Ferguson developed a blood test capable of diagnosing sickle cell disease in infants and young children. This diagnostic tool remains a standard method used across most states today, allowing for earlier detection and intervention during the most vulnerable years of life.
Beyond diagnosis, she also helped establish treatment guidelines that improved day-to-day care for children living with sickle cell disease. Her recommendations focused on practical, preventive measures such as increasing hydration and ensuring adequate oxygen during medical procedures, intended to reduce complications and improve quality of life.
Dr. Ferguson’s work did more than advance science; it changed how clinicians understood and treated a disease that affects approximately 100,000 people in the United States and millions worldwide.
Leadership in an Overlooked Field
As a Black female physician during a period when such representation was exceedingly rare, Dr. Ferguson helped pioneer a path forward, not only through her research, but through her presence and leadership. Alongside a small group of fellow physicians, she focused on sickle cell disease when it was largely ignored, bringing visibility, credibility, and urgency to the field.
Her leadership extended beyond the laboratory. In the 1960s, she co-founded the Association for Sickle Cell Anemia Research, an early organization dedicated to education, advocacy, and support for patients and families.
Why This Legacy Matters to TriHealth
At TriHealth, we applaud Dr. Ferguson’s work not only for its scientific significance, but for its enduring relevance to health equity. Her career serves as a powerful reminder that equitable care begins with listening, learning, and investing in communities that have historically been marginalized.
Dr. Ferguson’s legacy aligns closely with TriHealth’s ongoing commitment to reducing clinical disparities, improving access, and ensuring that every patient receives compassionate, high-quality care, regardless of background or circumstance.
We are proud to stand on the foundation built by leaders like Dr. Ferguson as we continue our work to create a more just and equitable healthcare system.
To learn more about how TriHealth is advancing equity in care, visit our Health Equity page.
Source
This blog is informed by reporting from The New York Times:
Roberts, Sam. “Angella Ferguson, a Leader in Sickle Cell Anemia Research, Dies at 100.” The New York Times, January 28, 2026.**