Brittany Hightower was a 22-year-old woman from Texas with sickle cell anemia and was the founder of the non-profit organization “Slay the Sickle Cycle.” She was admitted to John Peter Smith Hospital in Houston on December 24, 2022, due to severe stomach problems but was denied treatment and threatened with arrest by police.
In a video recorded by her family, police officers can be heard saying that the hospital staff “did not want her there” and refused to treat her. Brittany passed away on January 1, 2023, and her family accuses the hospital and police of racially-charged negligence and mistreatment, alleging that timely medical intervention could have saved her life.
Brittany Hightower Was Threatened
Brittany Hightower was threatened with arrest by the police and told to leave the emergency room, despite her obvious sickness. In a desperate plea, Brittany begged the police to let her stay and file a report of mistreatment. She stated that she was sick and feared for her life if she left the hospital.
Reports indicate that the hospital refused to treat Brittany due to a previous disagreement with a registered nurse. The nurse allegedly held a grudge against Brittany and did not believe she was truly sick.
Despite her declining health condition, Brittany was subjected to verbal abuse from hospital staff and the police. Her family believes that racial prejudices and discrimination influenced her treatment.
After her death, Brittany’s family is seeking accountability from the hospital for the events. Legal action will likely be taken against the hospital for its role in Brittany’s death, which results from medical negligence.
In Brittany’s own words, she was treated like a criminal while needing medical attention.
