The Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc. (SCFG) is proud to join individuals living with sickle cell disease, their families, healthcare providers, and advocates across the nation in recognizing September as National Sickle Cell Awareness Month.
It’s a time dedicated to raising awareness, promoting education, and advocating for those impacted by sickle cell disease (SCD). Sickle Cell Awareness Month, officially designated by Congress in 1983, shines a spotlight on a disease that affects nearly 100,000 Americans—primarily of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian ancestry.
The observance also underscores the urgent need for expanded research, improved treatment options, and stronger support systems for individuals living with this lifelong genetic blood disorder.
“September is not just a month of awareness—it’s a call to action,” said Tabatha McGee, CEO of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc. and the Sickle Cell Sanctuary. “As we continue the fight for better treatments and equitable care, we are reminded that our warriors need our voices, our advocacy, and our commitment every day.”
Throughout September, the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia will host a series of events and outreach campaigns—including our Mind Matters Mental Health sessions on Wednesday, Sept 6th, and Monday, Sept 15th. And the highly anticipated 45th Annual Sickle Cell Road Race/Walk on September 6th in East Point, Georgia.
These efforts aim to educate the public, provide critical resources, and celebrate the resilience of sickle cell warriors.
This year, SCFG also recognizes recent advancements in gene therapy and other potential treatments as a sign of hope, while reaffirming its mission to serve individuals and families affected by SCD across Georgia and beyond.
How You Can Help:
- Visit the Sickle Cell Sanctuary and experience any of the services provided, including traditional medical care, holistic medical care, IV Hydration, and infusions.
- Donate to organizations dedicated to sickle cell research and patient support.
- Attend awareness events in your area.
- Share information to help dispel myths and reduce stigma.
For more information on how to get involved or support SCFG during Sickle Cell Awareness Month, visit www.sicklecellga.org.
About Sickle Cell Sanctuary Wellness Center
This center is a beacon of hope for thousands battling sickle cell disease. The sanctuary not only caters to the body but also nurtures the mind and spirit. The first-of-its-kind center in the U.S., it offers integrated medical care along with traditional medical care in a spa-like setting, a concept that grew out of a vision of its founder, Tabatha McGee, Executive Director of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc.
Visit gawellness.com for more information.
About Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc.
The Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc. (SCFG) is committed to helping the thousands of Georgians who suffer from sickle cell disease. Our funding is used for much-needed services such as health screenings for sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait. SCFG is the only community-based organization providing sickle cell education, sickle cell testing, counseling, a state-of-the-art health and wellness center, and transition services throughout the state of Georgia, which has the fourth-largest sickle cell patient population in the nation. SCD affects approximately 100,000 mostly African Americans in the U.S. and millions worldwide.
Visit sicklecellg.org for more information.