{"id":15692,"date":"2025-09-24T09:22:37","date_gmt":"2025-09-24T13:22:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/?page_id=15692"},"modified":"2025-10-06T11:43:35","modified_gmt":"2025-10-06T15:43:35","slug":"rappahannock-rapidan-health-district-spotlights-sickle-cell-disease","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/public-relations-contacts\/archived-news-releases\/2025-regional-news-releases\/rappahannock-rapidan-health-district-spotlights-sickle-cell-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Spotlights Sickle Cell Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"

September 24, 2025
\nMedia Contact:<\/strong> Dr Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District<\/strong> Spotlights Sickle Cell Disease<\/strong>
\nLearn More About this Commonly Inherited Blood Disorder<\/em><\/p>\n

WARRENTON, Va. \u2013 September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month, and this year\u2019s theme is \u201cSickle Cell Matters 2025<\/a>.\u201d Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects about 100,000 people in the United States. The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District (RRHD) shares Virginia Sickle Cell Awareness Program<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Most people affected by SCD are non-Hispanic Black or African American<\/a>, more than 90% are non-Hispanic Black or African American, and an estimated three to nine percent are Hispanic or Latino. On average, people with SCD live about 20 years less than others. In Virginia, around 65 babies with SCD and related conditions are found each year through newborn screenings<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A child gets sickle cell disease (SCD) when he or she receives two sickle cell genes \u2013 one from each parent. People with sickle cell trait (SCT) inherit one sickle cell gene and one normal gene.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeptember is Sickle Cell Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on a disease that touches many families in our community,\u201d said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director James B. Carr, M.D. \u201cSickle cell disease is serious, but with early care, healthy choices, and strong support, people can live longer, healthier lives. By learning more, sharing information, and even considering blood donation, each of us can play a role in giving hope and strength to those living with this condition.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sickle cell disease<\/a> is a genetic disorder that affects your red blood cells. Normally, red blood cells are round and move easily through your blood vessels. They have something in them called hemoglobin, which carries oxygen around your body. In sickle cell disease, the hemoglobin is different, so the cells become sticky and shaped like a C, instead of round. These C-shaped cells can get stuck in small blood vessels and block blood flow. This blockage can cause a lot of pain and other health problems.<\/p>\n

According to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America<\/a>, people with sickle cell disease benefit most from blood transfusions from similar ethnic backgrounds. The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District (RRHD) \u00a0Department of Health encourages learning about sickle cell disease<\/a> to understand its challenges and treatments<\/a>. Talk to your doctor about your blood type and characteristics to consider donating blood<\/a>.<\/p>\n

People with SCD can live healthy lives by:<\/p>\n