WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Tim Scott’s (R-S.C.) resolution designating September as Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Awareness Month.

SCD is an inherited blood disorder that leads to numerous medical complications, including anemia, jaundice, gallstones, strokes, and chronic pain episodes. In the United States, about 100,000 individuals grapple with the challenges posed by SCD, and an estimated 1,000 babies are born with SCD each year, disproportionately affecting Black infants.

"Designating September as Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month is a crucial step toward raising awareness around SCD and combatting this devastating disease,” said Senator Booker. “Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in our country, affecting mostly those from marginalized communities. I applaud my Senate colleagues for passing this important resolution, which serves as an opportunity to raise awareness and push for more research and support for those living with SCD."

“Sickle cell continues to affect thousands of Americans, oftentimes those without access to specialized care,” said Senator Scott. “This resolution raises awareness for this debilitating disease and fights to provide access to treatment so those affected can manage their healthcare and, eventually, have access to future cures.”

With more than 3,000,000 individuals in the United States carrying the sickle cell trait and approximately 1 in 13 Black or African Americans carrying the trait, there is an urgent need for increased awareness and support. Sickle cell anemia significantly reduces life expectancy by more than 20 years. SCD is also a leading cause of childhood stroke, making early screening and preventive measures paramount.

The resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tom Carper (D-DE), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), James Lankford (R-OK), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Todd Young (R-IN), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS).

The full text of the resolution can be found here.