September is Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month
September 23, 2011
12:08 PM EDT
September marks National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness month. With approximately 72,000 Americans living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), and an estimated two million, including 1 in 12 African Americans carrying the genetic trait for the disease, SCD represents the most commonly inherited blood disorder in this country. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Service’s Sickle Cell Disease Initiative is working to improve the lives of individuals and families struggling with the disease by improving access to quality care and collaborating with key partners in government, the private sector, researchers, and families affected by SCD.
Read HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius’ statement on National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month.