National Sickle Cell Awareness Month happens in September

By Shelley Irwin

Published September 17, 2024 at 1:57 PM EDT

Patients with sickle cell disease have blood cells that are stiff and misshapen. The cells don't carry oxygen as well and clog up the bloodstream, resulting in periodic bouts of excruciating pain.

We talk to Dr. Courtney Fitzhugh, SCD expert with the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

National Sickle Cell Awareness Month happens in September, 1 in every 365 Black or African American Babies is born with the blood disorder. We talk to Dr. Courtney Fitzhugh, SCD expert with the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute with comments.

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Shelley Irwin

Shelley Irwin is the host and producer for The Shelley Irwin Show, a news magazine talk-show format on the local NPR affiliate Monday through Friday. The show, broadcast at 9 a.m., features a wide variety of local and national news makers, plus special features.

See stories by Shelley Irwin