MO HCR13

Designates May 12-18, 2013 as "Sickle Cell Awareness Week" in Missouri

More than 80,000 people in the United States have sickle cell disease, primarily affecting persons of African heritage, with no universal cure currently available

Estimated 1,500 individuals with sickle cell conditions and 50,000 with sickle cell trait reside in Missouri; approximately 700 children and young adults with sickle cell disease live in the St. Louis Metropolitan area

Encourages all Missouri citizens to participate in activities during Sickle Cell Awareness Week to increase public awareness of available programs, screenings, and the condition's prevalence

Emphasizes importance of early diagnosis, particularly in newborns, and notes promising new treatments being developed to prevent red blood cell sickling and reduce complications