September is National Sickle Cell Month

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.

SCDAA’s 2025 theme is Sickle Cell Matters 2025.

Download the SCDAA Social Media Toolkit

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 bring attention to sickle cell disease by engaging elected officials to secure proclamations, hosting awareness events, distributing educational information to dispel myths about sickle cell disease, and lighting public spaces, buildings, and landmarks red.

Show Love, Give Blood for National Sickle Cell Awareness Month 2025

Once again, we invite you to join us for a virtual blood drive to support sickle cell warriors. Did you know that blood transfusions are one of the most critical treatments for sickle cell patients, but less than 10% of Americans donate blood? Did you know that sickle cell patients benefit most from blood transfusions from people of the same race or similar ethnicity, but only five percent of blood donors are of African ancestry? Please help us make a difference for SCD patients by pledging to donate blood this month. Click here to participate.

Chat With Us During Our Social Parties

Join us on Instagram on September 22, 24, and 26 from 12-1 p.m. ET as we partner with advocacy, corporate, and federal organizations to share victories and provide more information about the latest developments in the sickle cell community. Together, we will use this time to learn and celebrate with others across the country.

Attend an Event

Every year, SCDAA member organizations across the country host events to bring our community together. Find your local member organization here.

Learn Something New During Sickle Cell Trivia

Visit our social media pages on Fridays during September for a sickle cell-themed trivia question. Make a guess and learn something new every week this month.

SCDAA ANNUAL CONVENTION-OCT 2025

The 53rd Annual National Convention. October 15 – 18, 2025, in Illinois!

We are excited to announce that our 53rd Annual National Convention will take place from October 15 to 18 at the Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel in Rosemont, Illinois. 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. Click here to learn more and register.

Annual National Convention

View photos from the event!

Minority Blood Donations Needed!!!!

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.

Why should African-Americans donate blood?
Increasing African-American donations is vital because blood types O and B, the blood types of 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 that of a patient is less likely to be rejected by the patient and can mean 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

Organizations
American Red Cross (ARC)

America’s Blood Centers (ABC)

Blood Centers of America (BCA)

Community Blood Center (CBC)

Hoxworth Blood Center

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