100k Americans affected, including approximately 1 in 365 African-Americans.
First Lady Melania Trump hosted a roundtable discussion earlier this week at the White House regarding Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). The disease, which affects roughly 100,000 Americans overall, occurs in about 1 out of 365 African-Americans. Estimates show one out of four Americans with SCD do not receive adequate care.
The first lady spoke of her Be Best initiative goal to improve children’s wellbeing and how SCD generally begins in early childhood. Mrs. Trump stated that though progress has been made, there is much more to do. She said, “although we have known about this disease for over one hundred years, too many Americans living with Sickle Cell still do not receive the quality care they need and deserve. But together, we can bring help and hope to so many children and families.”
The first lady also referenced the proclamation issued by President Trump at the end of August recognizing Sickle Cell Disease Month. The president then stated, “A cure is within reach, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved new treatments and more are on the horizon, and several initiatives are underway to make better use of all available tools in the battle against this disease.”
Sickle Cell Disease is described in the proclamation as “individuals with two copies of the gene have blood cells that are sickle-shaped, instead of cylindrical, which causes a disruption in blood flow that can damage many organs, including the brain and kidneys. A person with SCD can begin experiencing the negative effects in early childhood, including pain, organ damage, and risk of stroke.”
HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Brett Giroir and Deputy Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy Ja’Ron Smith were among the participants of the roundtable discussion.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For First Lady Melania Trump as she seeks to improve the health and wellbeing of children.
- For President Donald Trump as he works to ensure care for vulnerable populations.
- For the Health and Human Services Department to implement measures that treat and cure Sickle Cell Disease.
Sources: Washington Post, AP
