[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 21, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 21, 1994]



        INTRODUCTION OF SICKLE CELL DISEASE AWARENESS RESOLUTION

                                 ______


                    HON. ROBERT E. (BUD) CRAMER, JR.

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 21, 1994

  Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer a resolution 
expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that communities 
should establish multidisciplinary team approaches to treat children 
who suffer from sickle cell disease.
  Despite its prevalence, not enough is known about sickle cell 
disease. The number of Americans suffering from sickle cell disease is 
staggering. One in twelve African-Americans carry the sickle cell trait 
and 1 in 400 African-American babies have sickle cell anemia.
  Sickle cell disease occurs when hemoglobin, which allows red blood 
cells to carry oxygen, lacks an essential amino acid causing the cell 
to be shaped like a sickle. The sickled cells are stiff and sticky and 
can block blood vessels causing extreme pain and all too often 
premature death. Even though sickle cell disease can be identified by a 
simple and inexpensive blood test, the symptoms of sickle cell mimic 
those of many other diseases and therefore often delay detection of the 
true illness. Unfortunately, when the disease goes undetected in 
infants, the children face a life of pain and suffering.
  Children suffering from sickle cell disease are subject to special 
problems. The spleen which protects against infection can become 
enlarged and trap blood. This swelling disrupts the spleen's ability to 
protect the body from infection. Childhood infections are the No. 1 
killer of children suffering from sickle cell disease.
  A recent study has found that children who are diagnosed with sickle 
cell disease as infants and given daily doses of penicillin are at a 
much lower risk of developing a life threatening infection. Other 
studies have found that many infant deaths attributed to sudden infant 
death syndrome or SIDS were actually the result of undiagnosed sickle 
cell disease. Also, the growth of bones in children with sickle cell 
disease is greatly affected. Because the bones receive a deficient 
supply of blood, their growth and strength are diminished.
  Teachers, parents, and child care workers need to be educated about 
sickle cell disease and how to effectively deal with the painful 
episodes that occur with blood clots. Sickle cell disease affects every 
individual differently. People working with children need to know that 
not all sickle cell disease patients have the same abilities or level 
of activity. Low self-esteem is also very common among children who 
suffer from the disease. These children need the encouragement and 
support of those around them. Only through increased awareness of this 
illness and education about its effects can we begin to help those who 
suffer from this horrifying disease.
  In my district, we are fortunate to have the North Alabama Sickle 
Cell Foundation. It is a nonprofit organization established to improve 
the quality of life for people who suffer from sickle cell conditions 
through patient enrichment programs. These programs include educational 
enrichment, opportunities for career planning, health promotion and 
disease prevention activities, and socialization
  The foundation's able representatives act as liaisons or advocates 
and seek to encourage improved services and benefits for individuals 
and affected families. Also, the foundation, provides education, 
counseling, and testing services free of charge to the general public.
  The purpose of the resolution is to help organizations like the North 
Alabama Sickle Cell Foundation present accurate educational information 
on sickle cell anemia--one of the most common chronic illnesses of 
children--sickle cell trait and other hemoglobinopathies in order to 
create an informed public.
  I encourage my House colleagues to become cosponsors of the 
resolution and help raise the awareness of this disease to not only the 
general public but also the population at risk.

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