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September is Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month

Summary: 
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is working to increase awareness about Sickle Cell Disease throughout the month of September.

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.