WHEREAS, every person deserves to live a healthy and fulfilling life, but approximately 100,000 Americans and thousands of Virginians are living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)—a painful genetic blood disorder that causes life-threatening complications such as strokes, infections, and organ damage; and

 

WHEREAS, SCD impacts people of all backgrounds, it disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic Americans, requiring them to put the goals and plans of everyday life on hold because of the chronic pain and serious health difficulties associated with it; and

 

WHEREAS, many living with SCD must navigate expensive medical treatments, unplanned hospital visits, a healthcare system that too often dismisses them, and a lack of access to healthcare providers with SCD expertise; and

 

WHEREAS, innovative new therapies, including gene therapies, are being developed and may offer potential cures for some patients; and

 

WHEREAS, although The Commonwealth of Virginia recently enacted a first-in-the-nation package to transform SCD care—the Queen Candis Hope for Sickle Cell Act—continued research, innovation, and investment in treatments and cures and equitable access to proven and emerging therapies remains essential; and

 

WHEREAS, the collective efforts of community-based organizations composed of people with lived experience, healthcare providers, and government entities all play important roles in addressing the challenges associated with SCD; and

 

WHEREAS, Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month provides an opportunity to honor individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease, reduce stigma, and advance awareness, education, research, advocacy, and access to quality healthcare;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, do hereby recognize September 2026 as SICKLE CELL DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.