Sickle Cell Awareness

Hosted By: David L.

Program For Ages: 5 to 29 Years Old.

The Sickle Cell Awareness Fundraiser is a one-day event designed to educate, engage, and support the community, with a specific focus on young Afro-Canadians living in low-income areas who are disproportionately affected by Sickle Cell Disease. This event will take place at a local park on a weekend from 2 PM to 8 PM, creating an accessible and welcoming environment for all attendees.

Addressing Community Needs:

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) disproportionately affects the Black community due to genetic and historical factors. Here’s an explanation of how SCD impacts this population:

Genetic Factors Inheritance Pattern:

Sickle Cell Disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. This means that both parents must carry the sickle cell trait (HbAS) for their child to inherit the disease (HbSS). If both parents carry the trait, there is a 25% chance with each pregnancy that the child will have SCD.

Prevalence in the Black Community: The sickle cell trait is most common among people of African descent. In the United States, about 1 in 13 Black or African-American babies is born with the sickle cell trait, and about 1 in 365 Black or African-American babies is born with SCD. This high prevalence is due to the evolutionary advantage of the trait provided in malaria-endemic regions of Africa, where having one sickle cell gene can offer some protection against malaria.

Health Impacts

Chronic Pain and Complications: Individuals with SCD suffer from chronic pain episodes due to the sickle-shaped red blood cells blocking blood flow in vessels. These pain episodes, known as sickle cell crises, can be severe and require hospitalization.

Organ Damage:

The irregularly shaped cells can cause damage to various organs over time, including the spleen, liver, kidneys, lungs, and brain. This can lead to complications such as stroke, acute chest syndrome, and organ failure.

Life Expectancy and Quality of Life:

SCD can significantly reduce life expectancy and impair the quality of life. Frequent hospitalizations, ongoing pain management, and chronic health issues can affect daily activities, education, and employment.

Social and Economic Impacts on Healthcare Access:

The Black community often faces disparities in healthcare access, quality of care, and medical research. These disparities can result in delayed diagnoses, inadequate pain management, and limited access to specialized care for SCD patients.

Economic Burden:

The chronic nature of SCD leads to significant medical expenses, frequent absences from work or school, and reduced earning potential for patients and their caregivers. This economic strain can exacerbate existing socio-economic challenges in the Black community.

Stigma and Awareness:

There is often a lack of awareness and understanding about SCD within and outside the Black community. This can lead to stigma, discrimination, and inadequate support for individuals and families affected by the disease.

Importance of Awareness and Support Education and Advocacy:

Raising awareness about SCD and its impact on the Black community is crucial. Educational campaigns can help dispel myths, reduce stigma, and encourage early testing and treatment.

Support Services:

Providing support services such as genetic counseling, pain management programs, and access to comprehensive care can improve outcomes for individuals with SCD.

Research and Funding:

Investing in research to develop better treatments and ultimately a cure for SCD is essential. Increased funding for SCD-specific healthcare services and support programs can help address the unique challenges faced by the Black community.