National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) is recognizing National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month during September. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a congenital condition resulting in the production of abnormal crescent-shaped blood cells that impair oxygen delivery, leading to pain, organ damage, infection, and potential stroke. It disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic individuals, highlighting the need for increased awareness and equitable access to comprehensive care for those affected. CMS OMH offers a range of resources to enhance awareness and support for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), including informative videos, research publications, reports on SCD prevalence, initiatives promoting health care access, and educational materials for individuals and health care providers.