Social workers play an important role in healthcare, helping patients navigate challenges beyond medical treatment. From connecting individuals with community resources to advocating for their needs, they provide support throughout a patient's healthcare journey.
This month, the Metropolitan Seattle Sickle Cell Task Force is highlighting Marquette McBryde, a social worker at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center who supports individuals living with sickle cell disease.
With more than 10 years of experience, Marquette has worked in emergency medicine, mental health, pediatric care, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Although sickle cell was a new area of practice for him, he welcomed the opportunity to learn and support a community with unique healthcare needs.
Marquette recognizes that living with sickle cell disease involves more than managing physical symptoms. Many patients navigate medical trauma, financial challenges, and experiences where their pain is questioned or dismissed.
As part of his role, he works alongside healthcare providers to bring attention to cultural differences and personal experiences that may affect how patients communicate and receive care. He believes understanding a patient's background is essential to building trust and providing culturally responsive support.
He also helps patients connect with resources for financial assistance, utility bills, and other everyday needs. Depending on where patients live, he may refer them to county programs, utility assistance, or community organizations such as Catholic Community Services. Although resources can be limited, he encourages patients to explore their options and not be discouraged from asking for help.
One area Marquette hopes to see more attention given to is education around long-term opioid use and pain management.
Because sickle cell disease is lifelong, many patients rely on opioid medications to manage severe pain over many years. Marquette believes there should be more opportunities for open, supportive conversations about the potential long-term effects of these medications, including dependence and addiction.
He emphasizes that these conversations should respect patients' experiences while ensuring they have the information needed to make informed decisions about their health.
He also recently participated in a transition meeting with Seattle Children's Hospital to help young patients prepare for adult care at Fred Hutch. He hopes to see more opportunities for young adults to build independence and learn to manage appointments, communicate with providers, and advocate for their healthcare needs.
Marquette believes one of the biggest opportunities for growth in sickle cell care is helping patients better understand the role of social workers.
Some patients may be hesitant to reach out because they are unfamiliar with what social workers do. However, social workers can help identify resources, navigate healthcare challenges, and advocate for patients.
He encourages individuals not to wait until they are experiencing a crisis to ask for support. Building that relationship early can make it easier to identify needs and explore solutions together.
When asked about the most rewarding part of his work, Marquette shared that even a simple “thank you” makes a difference. Knowing that someone feels heard, supported, and appreciated reminds him why the work matters.
His message to the sickle cell community is simple: You don't have to navigate everything alone. Social workers are here to listen, advocate, and help you find the support you need.
The Metropolitan Seattle Sickle Cell Task Force thanks Marquette McBryde for sharing his experience and helping bring awareness to the important role social workers play in sickle cell care.
