World Sickle Cell Awareness Day is June 19th, this annual event commemorates the date in 2008 when the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted a resolution recognizing sickle-cell disease (SCD) as a public health concern. World Sickle Cell Awareness Day provides an opportunity to increase understanding of SCD and how the disease affects individuals and families worldwide.
Sickle Cell Disease is one of the most common inherited blood disorder affecting 70,000 to 80,000 Americans and millions of people world-wide. Due to the severity of health complications associated with Sickle Cell Disease there is a need for increased knowledge and awareness about the disease.
SCD is most common among people whose ancestors come from Africa; Mediterranean countries such as Greece, Turkey, and Italy; the Arabian Peninsula; India; and Spanish-speaking regions in South America, Central America, and parts of the Caribbean.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that SCD contributes to 5% of the deaths of children younger than 5 years of age in some African countries. While an increasing proportion of affected children now survive past 5 years of age, many remain at risk of premature death. With early detection and use of public health interventions such as penicillin, many of these deaths can be prevented. Additionally, the burden of this disease can be reduced with increased global resources and effective partnerships. Help educate and unite in the awareness of SCD. Check for programs and activities in your community.
http://sicklecelldisease.org/index.cfm?page=news&id=64
Howard University Center for Sickle Cell Disease Celebrates World Sickle Cell Day Thursday, June 19, 2014 from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Special guest speakers include,
Shawn Bediako, Ph.D, UMBC
Dr. Oswaldo Castro, Professor Emeritus
Lifetime Achievement Award
Keir “Jr” Spates, from the Steve Harvey Morning Show. For more information call
202-865-8292
The Heart of Gold Sickle Cell Foundation of Northern Virginia, Inc. would like to invite everyone in the Washington Metropolitan area to celebrate “World Sickle Day” on June 22nd, 2014 from 2:00 – 4:00 P.M. at James K. Polk Elementary School, 5000 Polk Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304.
Meet and greet health care professionals, caretakers and those with Sickle Cell Disease.
Make a $10 donation to purchase a balloon in memory of someone who has lost the battle with SCD or is battling with Sickle Cell Disease.
http://www.heartogold.org
703-370-3234 Heartofgoldfoundation@yahoo.com
The Bohemian Home Journal 
Such a dreadful condition and one that is so easily overlooked: people who can “look so healthy” and yet are dealing with the pain of a deadly illness.