History of Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease is an enduring — and often invisible — condition associated with health outcome and resource disparities in the U.S. Despite the discovery of the disease in western medicine more than a century ago, there have been fewer health resources available to help those suffering from sickle cell disease in comparison to similar diseases.
That’s why the Red Cross began the Sickle Cell Initiative and is partnering with diverse community-based and national organizations to raise awareness about health disparities associated with sickle cell disease and increase much-needed blood donations from individuals who are Black to help ensure closely matched blood products are available for patients. The initiative builds on years of local Red Cross programs serving communities with larger populations of people living with sickle cell disease.
Origins
Research shows that the mutation causing sickle cell disease arose in Africa thousands of years ago to help protect against malaria, a historically major cause of death there. Over time, as sickle cell disease emerged, it became known by various names in different tribal languages in Africa, long before it was discovered in western medicine.
While sickle cell disease affects people across the world of all backgrounds, the greatest number of affected patients in the U.S. are those with African ancestry.
Important Dates in Sickle Cell History
First discovery made in western medicine.
Blood transfusions first used to treat sickle cell.
Red Cross regions start local blood donation programs for sickle cell.
Red Cross launches the Sickle Cell Initiative with partners.