FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – During the Aug. 19, 2024 meeting, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners proclaimed September 2024 as Sickle Cell Awareness Month in Cumberland County. Cumberland County Director of Public Health, Dr. Jennifer Green, presented information about Sickle Cell Disease, explaining the disease is an abnormality that occurs when red blood cells in the body are misshapen in the shape of a crescent or sickle. This makes it difficult for the cells to move through the body and can cause severe pain in people who have the disease. Sickle Cell Disease is inherited from a person’s parents when both parents are carriers of the trait. The disease can shorten a person’s life expectancy by 20 to 30 years. Dr. Green stated the disease is more prominent in African Americans but is also present in a growing number of Caucasians.
Cumberland County is among the top five counties in the state for new cases of Sickle Cell Disease, with 26 babies born with the disease between 2016 and 2020. The Cumberland County Department of Public Health stresses the importance of awareness, and highly encourages parents to have their children undergo a hemoglobin test at birth. Pregnant mothers, and their partners, are also encouraged to be tested to better prepare in the event both are carriers of the trait.
“We are fortunate to have resources, such as Piedmont Health Services, which provides free genetic testing, counseling and case management for Sickle Cell Disease,” said Dr. Jennifer Green. “Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by Sickle Cell Disease.”
More information can be found by visiting www.piedmonthealthservices.org or by calling 910-229-2393.
“Recognizing Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month is an important step toward bringing this critical issue to the forefront of our community’s attention,” said Vice Chairwoman Dr. Toni Stewart. “This disease is very personal to me and many others who are affected by it. I urge all residents to learn more about Sickle Cell Disease.”
For more information about Cumberland County Department of Public Health, go to
Department of Public Health (cumberlandcountync.gov) or call 910-433-3600. The Department of Public Health is at 1235 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC, 28301.