Submitted by Joan Dudzinski
Georgia Public Libraries are involved in a Sickle Cell Awareness Initiative this year. Post Road Library created a display with materials sent out in support of this initiative and a number of handouts to help inform patrons about the disease and make them aware of symptoms and what they can do to handle them.
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) affects millions worldwide, primarily those with ancestors from sub-Saharan Africa, regions of Central and South America, the Caribbean, Saudi Arabia, India, and a number of Mediterranean countries such as Greece, Italy, and Turkey.
Did you know?
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder present at birth
SCD can be diagnosed before or at birth with a simple blood test
SCD occurs in 1 out of 365 African American births
SCD occurs in 1 out of 16,300 Hispanic American births
There is a 25% chance of a child having SCD if both parents have the sickle cell trait (SCT)
SCD and SCT affect approximately 1-3 million Americans, primarily African Americans
People with SCT usually do not have any symptoms but can pass on the trait to their children. People with SCT usually do not have any symptoms but can pass on the trait to their children. If both parents have SCT,
A child will have a 50% chance of having SCT
A child has a 25% chance of having sickle cell anemia, which is a serious medical condition
We are happy to be able to provide educational information for our patrons and increase awareness of this disease. One way to support these efforts is by giving blood to increase supplies for blood transfusions. The information above was sourced from the CDC and the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation based in Hampton, GA.
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