[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15411]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     SHEDDING LIGHT ON NATIONAL SICKLE CELL DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 29, 2015

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, during the month of September, we recognize 
National Sickle Cell Awareness month, which is significant to me 
because this rare blood disorder affects many constituents in my 
congressional district. I understand how important it is to not only be 
aware of the illness but also to ensure those with Sickle Cell receive 
proper treatment.
  Sickle cell disease, most commonly found in individuals of African 
American, Hispanic, Indian, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, 
and South Asian descent, affects more than 100,000 individuals 
worldwide. It is an illness that affects the red blood cells. People 
with sickle cell disease have red blood cells with abnormal types of 
hemoglobin. This abnormal type of hemoglobin looks crescent-shaped, is 
difficult to pass through blood vessels and causes less blood to reach 
certain parts of the body. When the proper amount of blood does not 
circulate throughout the body, they can have damaging effects, causing 
anemia, jaundice and the formation of gallstones.
  It is imperative that we not only educate ourselves but those around 
us as well. I am proud that in 2014, I co-founded the Congressional 
Sickle Cell Caucus with Rep. Danny Davis (D-7th, IL) and Senator Tim 
Scott (R-SC) to support legislation, promote policies and inform the 
public about the disease. Together we are pushing to reauthorize the 
Sickle Cell Disease Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment 
Act which allows states to collect data, conduct health initiatives and 
identify and evaluate strategies for prevention and treatment of sickle 
cell disease complications. I commend organizations like the Sickle 
Cell Disease Association and Sickle Cell Foundation Support Group, Inc. 
for their efforts and I will continue to support initiatives that will 
help improve the lives of those with Sickle Cell disease.

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