source: Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc.

year: 2021

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder in which red blood cells may become sickle-shaped and hardened. For a baby to be born with sickle cell disease, both parents must carry a sickle cell trait or genes for hemoglobin like HbC, HbE, or beta-thalassemia. Sickle cell disease is not contagious, and there is no universal cure.

The SCD Facts:

• About 1 in 13 African Americans carry the sickle cell trait, and many do not know they have it.

• An estimated 100,000 people in the U.S. have SCD.

• Approximately 2,000 babies are born with SCD annually in the U.S.

• On average, diagnosis is made at birth.

• People of many ethnic backgrounds can have SCD.

• Latinos have the second most common incidence in the U.S.

• Donate blood to support transfusions.

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