Baltimore, MD (June 18, 2009)  - Marylanders devoted to the detection and treatment of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) will join international health officials in New York on Friday, June 19 for observation of the first annual World Sickle Cell Day as designated by the United Nations according to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH). A recent U.N. resolution declared sickle cell disease a global public health priority.

“In Maryland we have the will and know the ways to save the lives of children with sickle cell disease,” said John M. Colmers, DHMH Secretary. “Any way we can help spread the hope of our success to the global community to save lives and ease suffering is worth the effort. We are very proud of the work done by Maryland’s Statewide Steering Committee on Services for Adults with Sickle Cell Disease.”

Several committee members will attend the first annual World Sickle Cell Day observations at the United Nations while representatives from DHMH will participate in the observance of World Sickle Cell Day sponsored by the Child Health Advocacy Institute in Washington, DC.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that causes anemia, increased susceptibility to infection, severe pain, strokes, progressive organ damage, and a shortened life span. While all racial and ethnic populations in the U.S. are at risk for SCD, African Americans are more likely to be affected.

Maryland has the lowest SCD mortality rate among young children in the United States. The Maryland SCD program has long been a leader in ensuring that children born with SCD receive high quality, comprehensive health care. An estimated 3,300 Marylanders have some form of SCD, one of the leading causes of death among young children until the late 1980s. Five percent of children with SCD used to die before 2 years of age and 10 percent died before 10 years of age. Early diagnosis through newborn screening, prophylactic penicillin, immunizations and comprehensive care have lowered the mortality rate among children to less than one percent.

However, the same level of care does not exist for adults with SCD.  Many individuals and groups within the state are working diligently to make sure that adults, too, receive access to the medical and social services that they need.

The Statewide Steering Committee on Services for Adults with Sickle Cell Disease is a group of sickle cell patients, health care providers, medical insurers, and community representatives, appointed by the DHMH Secretary. The Committee is charged with educating Marylanders about SCD and identifying resources and services that could be used to improve the lives of affected residents.  

Additional events are planned in the US during National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, which is in September.

More information about the Maryland SCD program for children can be found at:

http://fha.maryland.gov/genetics/sickle_pro.cfm    

More information about the Statewide Steering Committee can be found at: http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/26excom/html/32sickle.html

For more information about the observances at the United Nations, contact:

Permanent Mission of Congo to the United Nations

14 East 65th street, New York, N.Y. 10065

212-744-7840 or 212-744-7841

congo@un.int