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Leader Sykes Announces Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness Month
House Democratic Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) last
week recognized the month of September as Ohio Sickle Cell
Anemia Awareness Month.
"This annual observance
provides an opportunity to increase awareness and
understanding about this major health issue," said Leader
Sykes. "Nearly one in every 365 African-American babies in
the U.S. are born with Sickle Cell Disease. That's why it is
so important to know fact from fiction, and to learn more
about the risk factors, signs and symptoms, and treatment
options available for Ohioans."
Sickle cell anemia is a
serious inherited condition in which red blood cells can
become sickle-shaped, similar to the letter "C". According
to the American Heart Association, people afflicted with the
disease have a higher risk of stroke, and attacks can prompt
long hospital stays for treatment.
People with sickle cell
anemia may have bouts of severe pain in the chest, stomach,
arms, legs, or other parts of the body. This is caused by
sickle cells blocking blood flow through the blood vessels
in those areas.
"Lifesaving blood donations
are vital to help fight sickle cell disease," Sykes added.
"Please reach out to the American Red Cross if you are
considering how you can help."
The Summit, Portage, and
Medina Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross can be
reached at 330-535-6131 or https://www.redcross.org/local/ohio/northeast/about-us/contact-us.html.
If you or someone you know
would like more information on Sickle Cell Diseases you can
find resources at the Ohio Department of Health at https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know-our-programs/sickle-cell-services/publications/.
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