September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month

By Office of Communications and Marketing | Sep 17, 2026

Each September, Sickle Cell Awareness Month brings attention to an inherited blood disorder affecting more than 100,000 Americans, with a significant impact on individuals and families across Brooklyn.

Sickle cell disease can cause severe pain, anemia, infections, stroke, organ damage, and other life-threatening complications. Early diagnosis, regular specialty care, and careful monitoring can help prevent crises, manage complications, and improve quality of life. 

Advances in treatment now offer patients more options than ever before, including therapies that reduce pain and sickling and potentially curative approaches for eligible patients. These developments can mean fewer crises and hospitalizations, less organ damage, and longer, healthier lives. They also make equitable access to specialty care, treatment, and long-term follow-up increasingly important.

At SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University and University Hospital at Downstate, we remain committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based care for people living with sickle cell disease.

Knowing your sickle cell trait status, keeping regular healthcare appointments, and discussing available treatments with your care team can save lives. Expectant parents should also confirm newborn screening and follow up promptly on the results.

Tags: Commemorative Months