National Sickle Cell Month

National Sickle Cell Month in September aims to raise awareness about sickle cell disease. This effort is led by the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA).

Top 5 Facts to Know

What is Sickle Cell: Sickle cell disease affects red blood cells, leading to anemia, pain, and other issues.

Prevalence: It predominantly affects people of African descent but can also affect Hispanic, South Asian, and Middle Eastern populations.

Genetic: The disease is inherited, meaning it is passed down through families.

Symptoms: Symptoms can include fatigue, jaundice, and frequent infections.

Treatment: While there is no cure, treatments like medications, blood transfusions, and bone marrow transplants can manage symptoms.

3 Ways to Be a Better Force for Health Related to Sickle Cell

Raise Awareness: Help to spread knowledge about sickle cell disease and its impact.

Support Research: Advocate for more research and improved treatments.

Be Compassionate: Offer support to families dealing with sickle cell disease, as it can be a challenging condition to manage.

Resource Sites
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America: www.sicklecelldisease.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
World Sickle Cell Day: www.worldsicklecellday.org