Take Care Of Your Baby From Sickel Cell Disease

One out of every 287 babies in Shelby County is born with sickle cell disease. That’s higher than the national rate of one of every 350 babies.

A new CDC report says fewer than half of children diagnosed with sickle cell anemia get the life-saving screenings and treatments recommended.

The report said many people with sickle cell anemia don’t have access to providers with expertise in treating the disease. Many also report feeling stigmatized and having their symptoms dismissed when they do receive care.

A new public service campaign called “Believe it!” aims to increase awareness of the pain endured by people living with sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease (SCD, aka sickle cell anemia) may technically be a rare disease in the U.S., but hardly in the Black community.

McGrory was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia at seven months old. The disease eventually led to a blood infection that cost her both her legs.

“The biggest ordeal I think most of us with sickle cell anemia deal have is people not believing our pain is real,” April McGrory of Memphis said.