New York State Department of Health Recognizes World Sickle Cell Day

Department Educates New Yorkers About Disease, Donating Blood, and Early Screening for Sickle Cell

Sickle Cell Predominately Affects Black Community

ALBANY, N.Y. (June 18, 2024) – The New York State Department of Health recognizes World Sickle Cell Day by educating New Yorkers about the blood disorder and the importance of early screening and donating blood.

"Sickle Cell is a serious disease that predominately affects the Black community," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "Sickle Cell takes a physical, emotional and financial toll on individuals who have the condition, and their loved ones as well. The Department will continue to raise awareness of the disease, advocate for quality and non-discriminatory health care, carry out newborn screening and provide a sense of community and support to those who suffer from sickle cell disease."

Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder that affects hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the body, within the red blood cells. A genetic variant results in the production of abnormal hemoglobin that causes the red blood cells to turn sickle-shaped and clump together. These sickle-shaped cells cause blockages in blood flow, which can lead to anemia, pain, infections, and other severe complications. The only cures for the disease are stem cell transplants or newly emerging Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) technology.

The condition affects more than 100,000 people in the U.S. and 20 million people worldwide. In the U.S., most people who have sickle cell disease are Black.

Sickle cell disease also occurs in people from Hispanic, Southern European, Middle Eastern or Asian Indian backgrounds.

The New York State Newborn Screening Program provides screening for sickle cell disease and 50 other, mostly genetic diseases for all babies born in New York State. Its goal is to help affected babies live long and healthy lives by identifying the disease early. Newborn screening refers to laboratory tests, performed to identify babies at high risk for a panel of disorders, which without medical intervention, cause significant morbidity in newborns, and even death. Early diagnosis and treatment of these disorders lead to better outcomes for the newborn.

The Department remains committed to educating New Yorkers about sickle cell disease. The Department also urges New Yorkers to learn about blood donation because people with sickle cell disease benefit from blood transfusions.

Information about the New York State Newborn Screening Program can be found here.

Living With Sickle Cell Disease can be found here.

Locations for New Yorkers to donate blood can be found here.