September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month – an important opportunity to share information about sickle cell disease. Read on to learn more about sickle cell disease and how you can access supportive resources.
What is sickle cell disease?
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder. Under certain stressful conditions, the red blood cells of people with sickle cell disease become crescent-shaped. These “sickled” cells cause blood flow blockage in vessels, which causes both chronic and acute pain among other complications.
How common is sickle cell disease?
Sickle cell disease is one of the world’s most common genetic conditions and the most common inherited blood disorder. An estimated 5,000-6,000 people in Canada live with sickle cell disease.
Who is affected by sickle cell disease?
While sickle cell disease can affect anyone regardless of race or ethnicity, Black communities are particularly impacted by both sickle cell disease and health care inequities in the disease’s care. Learn more about UHN’s commitment to improving care for Black communities.
What services are available at UHN for people living with sickle cell disease?
The Red Blood Cell Disorders Program (RBCD) at UHN is home to one of the largest sickle cell program in North America.
Managing sickle cell disease involves teams from across UHN including cardiac, endocrine and chronic care providers who have a deep understanding of red blood cell disorders.
In partnership with SickKids Hospital, the RBCD Program launched Canada’s first program to provide a direct link between pediatric and adult care. It has been shown to make a big difference in smoothing the transition to a new care team for adolescents and young adults managing the challenges of sickle cell disease.
Are there online resources available?
Looking for resources to learn more or help manage sickle cell disease? The RBCD Program’s Hub can help connect you with supports, educational resources and other people living with sickle cell disease.
No one ever changed the world on their own but when the bright minds at UHN work together with donors we can redefine the world of health care together.