In honor of National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, BJC and the American Red Cross have partnered with the Sickle Cell Association of St. Louis and Kwame Building Group with the involvement of community leaders and health professionals to organize an informative two-day Community Health Event on Sickle Cell Disease from Friday, September 20 to Saturday, September 21.
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that causes abnormal hemoglobin production, which results in misshapen red blood cells which leads to chronic pain and other health difficulties.
Only one in three Black blood donors are a match for Sickle Cell patients. Many who suffer from sickle cell disease regularly require several blood transfusions.
The organizers said the event aims to address many pressing issues, such as health disparities and unique struggles Sickle Cell warriors face, and uplift their stories.
The Community Sickle Cell Health Forum will occur on Fri. Sept. 20. from 3:00 p.m. -5:30 p.m.
Panelists:
● Rosemary Britt – President and CEO, Sickle Cell Association of St. Louis
● Dr. Yvette Marie Miller, M.D., ABIHM – Executive Medical Officer, Red Cross
● Dr. Allison A. King MD, MPH, PhD Washington University
● Teara Norris St. Louis, Mo. Sickle Cell Warrior
● Tony Thompson, Chairman and CEO of Kwame Building Group
● Aniece Adams Harris Stowe University -HBCU Red Cross Ambassador
● Sharon R. Crockett- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority President East St. Louis Alumnae
Chapter
● Winston Wright – Program Director of DE&I Barnes Jewish
The Community Red Cross Blood Drive Cell will occur on Sept. 21. 2024 at Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Hall 500 N, 500 Vandeventer Ave, St. Louis, from 9:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.