Social Work Month: Meet Savone Williams

Savone Williams is the perfect example of showing up where people need you most. As the only African American during her clinical program, she learned the need for additional sickle cell support due to the limited resources available for patients in this clinic. “The clinic was only allocated a certain number of hours and budget, leaving just one social worker to handle an overwhelming demand for support,” she explains.

Throughout her career, Savone has observed the healthcare disparities that disproportionately affect sickle cell patients. She reflects on the urgent need for increased support and awareness, noting, “Sickle cell patients are under-resourced, not just in Washington, but across the entire medical system.”

These disparities extend beyond funding and highlight a broader systemic issue where sickle cell disease remains overlooked. Unlike other conditions that receive substantial funding and attention, sickle cell patients often struggle to access even basic mental health resources. As a clinical social worker, Savone finds that her role frequently extends beyond mental health concerns to address environmental factors like housing, employment, and financial stability, all of which directly impact her patients’ well-being.

Savone’s journey into sickle cell social work began in 2022 during her clinical internship. While rotating through various clinics, she noticed the overwhelming need within the sickle cell clinic and felt compelled to continue the work after graduating. One of the most rewarding sides of her role is the ability to tailor support to each patient’s unique situation, combining financial assistance with mental health support.

Ultimately, Savone’s work is about filling the gaps in a system that has overlooked sickle cell disease. She emphasizes that understanding is the first step toward advocacy and that raising awareness can lead to change.