About SCD

About SCDAA

Transition Support

About SCD

Sickle cell is an unpredictable genetic blood disorder affecting approximately 100,000 Americans.1 It is more common among American Blacks and Hispanics.1 During their transition from pediatric to adult care, young people face challenges of disease stigma, discrimination, and poor access to care when they are at their most vulnerable.2 From birth, the disease sets out to deform and destroy red blood cells, causing excruciating pain and if left untreated, can lead to organ failure and death. SCD can reduce life expectancy by 30 years3 and by adulthood, 59% of SCD patients have accumulated organ damage.4

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References: 1. Data & statistics on sickle cell disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed May 2, 2022. Accessed September 19, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell/data.html 2. Power-Hays A, McGann PT. When actions speak louder than words—racism and sickle cell disease. N Engl J Med. 2020;383(20):1902-1903. 3. Piel FB, Steinberg MH, Rees DC. Sickle cell disease. N Engl J Med. 2017;376(16):1561-1573. 4. Lubeck D, Agodoa I, Bhakta N, et al. Estimated life expectancy and income of patients with sickle cell disease compared with those without sickle cell disease. JAMA Netw Open. 2019;2(11):e1915374.