Understanding Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects the shape and function of red blood cells. The red blood  cells can become hard and sticky and block blood flow. This can cause severe pain, tiredness, infections, anemia, and other serious health problems. Because some symptoms are not easy to see, listening, learning, and understanding can make a difference. During National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, take a moment to learn about the disease, share reliable health information, and help increase awareness in your community.

Did You know?

✔ About 100,000 people in the United States have sickle cell disease.

✔ Patients with sickle cell disease who were not properly triaged during a pain crisis waited nearly three (3) times longer for their first dose of pain medication than patients who were triaged correctly.

✔ About 2 out of every 3 people with sickle cell disease worldwide live in Africa. Yet, many people still face barriers to getting care and treatment.

✔ Approximately 1,000 children are born with sickle cell disease everyday. More than half of these children do not live to their fifth birthday.

Knowledge can help turn awareness into understanding.