Proclamation from Fulton County Board of Commissioners, GA, U.S.

WHEREAS. Sickle Cell is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders that occurs when red blood cells become hard and sticky and look like a C-shaped farm tool called a “sickle”; and

WHEREAS, Sickle Cell disses occurs in 1 in Every 365 African American birth and 1 out of every 16,300 Hispanic American births, And an estimated 100,000 people are living with Sickle Cell disease in the United States, with millions affected world-wide; and

WHEREAS, many patients with Sickle Cell disease require regular blood transfusions to help manage their disease, and are dependent on blood donations from Black donors because of the distinct markers on their red blood cells that make donations from black donors ideal for helping patients with Sickle Cell disease; and

WHEREAS, with nearly 50 years of service in metro Atlanta, the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc. continues to provide vital services, education and counseling to sickle cell patients and their families; and

WHEREAS, the Red Cross is asking members of the Black community to join in helping to address this health disparity and meet the needs of patients with sickle cell disease; and

WHEREAS, The International WeLoveU Foundation is determined to improve the lives of the global community beyond the borders of nationality, race, socioeconomic status, and religious background and has partnered with the American Red Cross to host the National Blood Drive on Sunday, September 26, 2021

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Fulton County Board of Commissioners commends the American Red Cross for its efforts to promote Sickle Cell awareness through its partnerships with the International WeLoveU Foundation and The Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia and supports their efforts to increase blood donations in the Black community, and does hereby proclaim September 2021 as “SICKLE CELL AWARENESS MONTH” in Fulton County, Georgia.