Atlanta Joins International Community in Observance of World Sickle Cell Awareness Day
The Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc. encourages everyone to join our community as we Shine the Light on Sickle Cell on June 19, World Sickle Cell Awareness Day.
This International Awareness Day, as designated by the World Health Organization and the United Nations, is observed annually with the goal to increase public knowledge and an understanding of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), and the challenges experienced by patients, their families, and caregivers.
Throughout metro Atlanta more than 10 landmarks will go RED in recognition of World Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Day from dusk on Sunday, June 19 until dawn on Monday, June 20.
This historic event marks the first time our friends, family, neighbors, and others in our community will join people around the nation and across the globe in hosting such a visible acknowledgement of Sickle Cell Disease and its impact on more than 100,000 Americans, including more than 14,300 Georgians, and six million people worldwide.
From the iconic King & Queen buildings in Sandy Springs to the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International; from the Gothic arches and tracery of Atlanta City Hall’s tower to the breathtaking canopy wings atop of modern-day 1180 Peachtree in Midtown, Atlanta is bringing awareness to sickle cell disease like no other.
“We are very encouraged that so many of our community partners are joining us in observing this important international awareness day,” SCFG Executive Director Tabatha McGee.
Participating area landmarks include:
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Downtown (Pictured below)
- King and Queen buildings – Sandy Springs
- Atlanta City Hall (Mitchell Street tower) – Downtown
- Hartfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – College Park (Pictured below)
- 101 Marietta – Downtown
- 1180 Peachtree – Midtown
- Georgia’s Own Credit Union – Downtown
- Georgia International Plaza – Downtown
- 1105 West Peachtree – Midtown
- One Atlantic Center – Park Fountain – Midtown
“We hope that June 19 will serve as a reminder that while so much has been achieved in the area of treatment, we still have a long way to go in our quest to improve the lives of all of those living with the disease and in our ultimate goal of ending the sickle cell cycle,” said McGee.
About Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)
SCD is an inherited blood disorder that causes “sickle” shaped red blood cells that can stick together, blocking blood flow and oxygen from reaching all parts of the body. People with SCD can experience pain, anemia, infection, and other serious health problems (also known as complications) that may require care by a healthcare provider. The disease can be inherited when both parents are carriers of the sickle cell trait.
Did you know?
- SCD is particularly common among those whose ancestors came from sub-Saharan Africa; Spanish-speaking regions in the Western Hemisphere (South America, the Caribbean, and Central America); Saudi Arabia; India and Mediterranean countries such as Turkey, Greece, and Italy.
- In the U.S., SCD occurs among about 1 out of every 365 Black or African American births. SCD occurs among about 1 out of every 16,300 Hispanic American births.
- About 1 in 13 Black or African American babies is born with sickle cell trait (SCT).
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Sickle Cell Data Collection Program, Georgia has the fourth largest sickle cell disease patient population in the nation. Four in 10 people with SCD live in just five metro Atlanta counties (Fulton, Gwinnett, DeKalb, Clayton, and Cobb).
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