CA AR59

Designates September 2024 as Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month in California and encourages residents to raise awareness and increase public knowledge of the disease.

Encourages the Legislature to support funding for outreach, education, research, treatment, and monitoring of sickle cell disease, which disproportionately affects African Americans in California.

Calls for the State of California to develop and fund chronic kidney disease screening programs that provide referrals for follow-up care, including genetic testing when appropriate.

Acknowledges that sickle cell disease affects more than 100,000 people in the United States, causes severe pain and organ damage, and results in a life expectancy of approximately 54 years.

Notes that individuals with sickle cell disease face barriers to quality care including geographic limitations, discrimination in emergency rooms, and a shortage of knowledgeable healthcare providers.