Reps. Lee, Davis, Burgess Introduce Bicameral, Bipartisan World Sickle Cell Awareness Day Resolution
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Barbara Lee (CA-12), Danny Davis (IL-12) and Michael Burgess (TX-26) introduced a resolution to designate June 19th, 2024, as "World Sickle Cell Awareness Day" to increase public awareness about sickle cell disease and the continued need for research, early detection and effective treatments that lead to a cure. U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) introduced the Senate companion bill.
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a rare, inherited disorder that causes a person’s red blood cells to become deformed and get stuck in their veins, blocking oxygen flow throughout the body. In the United States, 100,000 people are affected by SCD, including 1 in every 365 African-American births, and 1 in every 16,300 Hispanic-American births. Around the world, sickle cell disease affects millions of people, particularly in some areas of sub-Saharan Africa, South and Central America, the Caribbean, South Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean basin. In countries with fewer resources, more than 90 percent of children diagnosed with sickle cell disease do not live to see adulthood. Despite being the most common inherited blood disorder in our country, research, treatment, and awareness efforts for the disease still lag far behind other chronic illnesses.
"Sickle Cell Disease is our nation’s most commonly inherited blood disorder, affecting an estimated 100,000 Americans—with a disproportionate number being people of African descent,” said Representative Lee. “Now more than ever, we need to invest in improving awareness, detection, and treatment for this deadly disease. I'm proud to join my colleagues in recognizing June 19th as World Sickle Cell Awareness Day and encouraging greater dialogue and awareness around Sickle Cell."
“In light of the health difficulties that sickle cell disease creates for millions of individuals both in the United States and globally, it is critical that we focus on access to quality and affordable treatment(s), and cures for these individuals in our nation and around the world,” said Representative Davis.
“Sickle cell disease is a silent killer in America, and its impact has been overlooked for far too long,” said Representative Burgess, Chair of the House Rules Committee. “Throughout my thirty years as a practicing physician, I have witnessed firsthand the lack of awareness and research dedicated to finding cures and treatments for this devastating illness. I am grateful to join my fellow members in designating June 19th as World Sickle Cell Awareness Day. It’s crucial Americans across our nation and the world are knowledgeable of the sickle cell disease to prevent further loss of life.”
“Sickle cell disease is a difficult diagnosis for anyone, but disproportionately affects communities of color,” said Senator Booker. “We know that more than 90% of people with sickle cell disease in the United States are of African descent. It is also a disease that has been historically overlooked and underfunded. While sickle cell research has increased in the past decade, the estimated life expectancy of Americans with SCD is still more than 20 years shorter than average. I’m proud to introduce a resolution that raises awareness around SCD, and reaffirms our commitment to eliminating barriers to innovative sickle cell treatments for our most vulnerable populations.”
“Sickle cell disease can lead to many medical complications – but even though millions of people around the world are affected by this disease, research, detection and treatment are too far behind,” said Senator Brown. “As a nation, we must commit ourselves to gaining a better understanding of sickle cell disease through research and develop a better treatment strategy for patients around the globe.”