Did you know??? Approximately 1 in 400 African Americans is born with Sickle Cell (SC) Anemia. SC Disease affects many more Americans than inherited diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis, Phenylketonuria and Hemophilia. It also has a higher incidence rate than Muscular Dystrophy and Tay-Sachs Disease.
Did you know??? Sickle Cell Trait is NOT a disease. 1 out of every 10 African Americans has Sickle Cell Trait. When both parents have the trait, there’s one in four (25%) chance with EACH pregnancy that the child will be affected with Sickle Cell Anemia.
Did you know??? Painful Episodes (Crisis's) are the most common recurring illness with people who have Sickle Cell Disease. It’s caused by a localized circulatory problems that arise when red blood cells sickle, stop blood flow, and deprive tissue of oxygen. A Crisis's can often be preceded by infection, dehydration, or a chemical imbalance in the body fluids.
Did you know??? Sickle Cell Disease is a life long & life threatening condition. It is not contagious and people do not “grow out of it.” We learn to live with it, and not let it hinder us from reaching our goals!Read More
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Sickle cell anemia is a disease passed down through families in which red blood cells form an abnormal crescent shape. (Red blood cells are normally shaped like a disc.)
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What does sickle cell disease look like?
September is National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month
September is National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month in the United States. The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America states that it wants the public to reflect on the children and the adults whose lives, education and careers have been affected by sickle cell disease, an inherited
blood disorder.
In the United States, sickle cell anemia occurs in about 1 in every 500 African-American children born and in 1 in every 1,000-1,400 Hispanic American children born.
blood disorder.
In the United States, sickle cell anemia occurs in about 1 in every 500 African-American children born and in 1 in every 1,000-1,400 Hispanic American children born.
US Postage Stamp
Sickle Cell Ribbon
Hydroxyurea Treatment for Sickle Cell Disease
The Virginia Sickle Cell Awareness Program
Sickle Cell Disease is one of the most common genetic disorders in the United States primarily affecting African-Americans. In Virginia, Sickle Cell Disease is the most prevalent disorder identified by newborn screening tests. Approximately 75 newborns are identified each year though newborn screening. The screening enables early diagnosis of the disease so that life-prolonging treatment begins in the first few months of life. Sickle Cell Disease primarily affects those of African descent, but also is found in people who trace their ancestry to South and Central America, the Middle East, India, Italy, Greece and Turkey.
Sickle Cell Disease primarily affects those of African descent, but also is found in people who trace their ancestry to South and Central America, the Middle East, India, Italy, Greece and Turkey.
In Virginia, one in 325 babies born to African-American parents is affected by Sickle Cell Disease. It is estimated that more than 155,000 Virginian's have sickle cell trait, meaning they do not have the disease but are carriers of the disorder. When a mother and father both have the sickle cell trait there is a 25 percent chance that their child will have sickle cell disease.
It is estimated that more than 4,000 Virginian's are living with Sickle Cell Disease. Sickle Cell Disease causes red blood cells to function abnormally, becoming rigid and curving into a sickle-like shape. The sickle shape makes it difficult for the cells to pass through tiny blood vessels, resulting in painful blockages that prevent vital oxygen and nutrients in the blood from reaching organs and tissues. These blockages can result in tissue damage, severe recurrent pain, strokes, organ damage and other serious medical complications.
There is no universal cure for sickle cell disease, but new treatments and preventive therapies have improved the life expectancy and quality of life for people with the disorder.
Sickle Cell Awareness Month began in 1975 when the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. and its member organizations began holding events throughout the month to address the needs of the community locally and nationally. September officially became National Sickle Cell Awareness Month when the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution introduced by the Congressional Black Caucus in 1983. Since its official recognition, the month has been dedicated to events that raise awareness and understanding about the disease.
The state health department's Sickle Cell Anemia Programs provide information about the disorder to the public and health care professionals and offers screening, referral, counseling and follow-up services to Virginians at risk for sickle cell disease.
Sickle Cell Disease primarily affects those of African descent, but also is found in people who trace their ancestry to South and Central America, the Middle East, India, Italy, Greece and Turkey.
In Virginia, one in 325 babies born to African-American parents is affected by Sickle Cell Disease. It is estimated that more than 155,000 Virginian's have sickle cell trait, meaning they do not have the disease but are carriers of the disorder. When a mother and father both have the sickle cell trait there is a 25 percent chance that their child will have sickle cell disease.
It is estimated that more than 4,000 Virginian's are living with Sickle Cell Disease. Sickle Cell Disease causes red blood cells to function abnormally, becoming rigid and curving into a sickle-like shape. The sickle shape makes it difficult for the cells to pass through tiny blood vessels, resulting in painful blockages that prevent vital oxygen and nutrients in the blood from reaching organs and tissues. These blockages can result in tissue damage, severe recurrent pain, strokes, organ damage and other serious medical complications.
There is no universal cure for sickle cell disease, but new treatments and preventive therapies have improved the life expectancy and quality of life for people with the disorder.
Sickle Cell Awareness Month began in 1975 when the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. and its member organizations began holding events throughout the month to address the needs of the community locally and nationally. September officially became National Sickle Cell Awareness Month when the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution introduced by the Congressional Black Caucus in 1983. Since its official recognition, the month has been dedicated to events that raise awareness and understanding about the disease.
The state health department's Sickle Cell Anemia Programs provide information about the disorder to the public and health care professionals and offers screening, referral, counseling and follow-up services to Virginians at risk for sickle cell disease.
Some common symptoms of sickle cell anemia
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