FL H9109

Sickle cell disease affects an estimated 90,000 to 100,000 individuals in the United States, with approximately 3 million people carrying the sickle cell trait.

The disease is most common in African Americans but also affects people of Greek, Turkish, Italian, Hispanic, and Indian descent.

Sickle cells become trapped in small blood vessels and block blood and oxygen flow to organs, causing severe pain, organ damage, serious infection, or stroke, with symptoms typically beginning around 5 months of age.

Though sickle cell disease has no widely available cure, various treatments exist to relieve symptoms and treat complications.

Florida residents are encouraged to support individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease.