National Medical Association Commends Efforts
To Promote Knowledge of World Sickle Cell Day
SILVER SPRING, MD – It is fortuitous that World Sickle Cell Day is commemorated on Juneteenth, National Independence Day, the day celebrating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It is the hope and mission of the NMA to raise awareness and increase research to find a cure for SCD that disproportionately affects people of color.
To commemorate the day a resolution was officially adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations recognizing sickle cell disease as a public health concern, June 19th has been named World Sickle Cell Day. To help increase the knowledge of and to raise public awareness of sickle cell disease (SCD) and the impact this disease has on sufferers and their families, World Sickle Cell Day has been held annually since 2008. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in the U.S. estimates that 100,000 Americans are affected by this genetic blood disorder and raises awareness and highlights information and resources for people who have SCD. The World Health Organization (WHO) has cited SCD as one of the main causes of death in children under five in some African countries. The American Red Cross is currently concerned about the nation’s blook supply and has partnered with many municipalities across the country to host blood drives.
The NMA applauds the June 15th efforts of U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) in reintroducing a resolution expressing support for the designation of June 19, 2023, as “World Sickle Cell Awareness Day” to increase public awareness and the need for continued research, early detection, and effective treatments that lead to a cure. The House companion bill was introduced by U.S. Representatives Danny Davis (D-IL) and Michael Burgess (R-TX).
SCD is a rare, inherited blood disorder affecting 1 in every 365 African-American births, and 1 in every 16,300 Hispanic-American births. Worldwide, the disease affects millions of people, in particular, those in some areas of sub-Saharan Africa, eastern Saudi Arabia, and central India. Despite it being the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States, research, treatment, and awareness efforts still lag far behind other chronic illnesses.
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“The NMA promotes the collective interests of physicians and patients of African Descent. We carry out this mission by serving as the collective voice of physicians of African Descent and a leading voice for parity in medicine, elimination of health disparities and promotion of optimal health. “
Garfield Clunie, MD Contact: Michael Peery
President (312) 217-2260
