September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, designated by Congress to help focus attention on the need for research and treatment of sickle cell disease.
We encourage everyone to participate in this annual effort to raise awareness about sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait during September. Individuals and organizations can join our efforts to raise awareness of sickle cell disease by engaging elected officials to secure proclamations, hosting awareness events, distributing educational materials to dispel myths about sickle cell disease, and lighting public spaces, buildings, and landmarks red.
Save the date for the 54th Annual National Convention, October 15-17. 2026 at Embassy Suites by Hilton, Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa in Concord, North Carolina!
You may know that the iconic dogwood is North Carolina’s state flower, but did you know that it is also a symbol of hope and new beginnings? Our 54th Annual National Convention theme pays tribute to our host state and recognizes our community’s transition into a new era of sickle cell care.
SCDAA’s Annual National Convention fosters the exchange of the latest scientific and clinical information through innovative training seminars and educational workshops, interactive panel discussions, advocacy lectures, and special events. Stay tuned for updates!
African-American blood donors hold the power to save other African-Americans in need of a blood transfusion.
That’s because donors with genetically similar blood are more likely to be a match for patients from the same ethnic background. When it comes to blood donations, researchers have found that African-Americans are under-represented among donors and that minority donors in general are less likely to become regular donors. Increasing African-American donations is vital because blood types O and B, which are carried by about 70 percent of African-Americans, are also the blood types most in demand.
Genetically-similar blood is preferred for those who need repeated blood transfusions, and for conditions like sickle cell disease (SCD), which primarily affects African-Americans. Blood that closely matches a patient’s blood is less likely to be rejected and may lead to fewer complications after a transfusion.
African-American blood donors are more likely to be a match for the majority of individuals with SCD in the United States, making them ideal donors to help SCD patients receive regular blood transfusions.
For more information on Blood Donations, please visit the following links
