National Sickle Cell Month is observed in September. National Sickle Cell Month raises awareness that sickle cell disease affects people of many racial and ethnic groups. In addition, more than 2 million people carry the sickle cell gene that allows them to potentially pass the disease on to their children.

National Sickle Cell Month educates the public that those with Sickle Cell Disease have red blood cells that become hard and sticky and look like a C-shaped farm tool called a “sickle”. The sickle-shaped cells die early, which causes a constant shortage of red blood cells. When a person does not have enough red blood cells, they have a condition called anemia. Also, when these misshaped blood cells travel through small blood vessels, they can get stuck and clog the blood flow. Whenever this happens, it results in severe pain and organ damage and can cause serious infection.