ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A discussion on sickle cell disease brought local leaders together.

The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America St. Petersburg Chapter hosted a summit Saturday, talking about a variety of topics regarding the disease, from screening to living with sickle cell.

“There is such a demand here in our area for support,” said Karen Calvin, a member of the Sickle Cell Chapter of St. Petersburg.

It was a discussion meant to bring together community members, health care professionals and people living with the disease, like Karen Calvin.

“We didn’t know much, not enough, about it," she says. "The hospital shared their concerns for my continuous health, however, it was all brand new to my mom. Being a single parent at the time, so Miss Murph stepped in and brought in more education, more resources. She was an advocate.”

From improving health to current policies surrounding sickle cell, the topics vary. It’s thanks to Miss Murph and the local chapter that has changed Calvin’s and other's lives.

“There were policies that were put in place that I wasn’t aware of but Miss Murph informed us during our meetings," said Calvin. "These are the things that we are working on to make sure when you go in for care that you are aware there is a protocol.”

Information about sickle cell has a come along way, too. As more was learned about the disease, methods of treatment have also improved.

“My disease has progressed in ways that I really did not understand, however, just recently we had a meeting with a physician last month," Calvin said. "She gave me an alternative way of healing myself from within so that’s how significant this association has been.”

Showing just how significant the St. Pete chapter has been in living with sickle cell.

"There are a lot of families here in St. Petersburg who need their help and that’s the whole objective of the summit."

Ensuring other families get necessary help for year’s to come.