Sickle Cell Disease Foundation Marks World Sickle Cell Day with Call for Continued Progress
- SCDF Staff
- Jun 19
- 2 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 19, 2026
CONTACT: Naty Alvarez
(916) 826-7855
(Ontario, CA) – Mary Brown, President and CEO of the Sickle Cell Disease Foundation, issued the following statement in recognition of World Sickle Cell Day.
“Today is World Sickle Cell Day, a day to recognize the millions of people around the world living with sickle cell disease, as well as the families and caregivers who walk this journey with them. It's also a day to reflect on how far we've come, and how far we still have to go.
“There is reason for hope. Advances like gene therapy, bone marrow transplantation, and new disease-modifying treatments are changing what is possible for people living with sickle cell disease. But we cannot mistake progress for victory. Too many people still struggle to find specialized care. Too many families face barriers to treatment, support services, and the resources they need to manage this disease. Because of programs like Networking California for Sickle Cell Care, we're changing that reality. We're building comprehensive, culturally competent centers, training providers, and connecting patients to the support they need to live fuller, healthier lives. With the backing of our state leaders, we’re reaching communities that have been left behind, giving people hope, access, and a voice in their own care. This work isn’t just about clinics, it’s about restoring dignity, health, and opportunity for every person living with sickle cell disease.
“But work is far from finished. We need continued investment, stronger policies, and real accountability to make sure advances in treatment reach everyone who needs them. We will continue to champion efforts at both the state and federal levels, including California’s Networking California for Sickle Cell Care and the Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act, because where a person lives or what resources they have should never determine the quality of care they receive.
“World Sickle Cell Day also comes just before Juneteenth, a reminder that health equity and social justice are deeply connected. Sickle cell disease disproportionately affects Black communities, and many of the disparities we continue to see in care and outcomes are rooted in generations of inequity.
“Today, I encourage everyone to do more than raise awareness. Learn. Advocate. Speak up. Support families affected by sickle cell disease. Join us in pushing for the policies, investments, and systems that will improve lives.
“The progress we've made is worth celebrating. The work ahead is worth fighting for. And the sickle cell community deserves nothing less.”
About the Sickle Cell Disease Foundation
The Sickle Cell Disease Foundation (SCDF) was incorporated in 1957 and is the first and oldest Sickle Cell Disease community-based organization of its kind in the nation. As the only organization in California approved to provide Hemoglobin-Trait Counseling Services and direct the Sickle Cell Educator/Counselor Certification Training Course, SCDF provides life-enhancing education, services and programs for individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease. SCDF broadens public awareness, delivers effective advocacy initiatives, and promotes innovative therapies to ultimately find a cure. Learn more by visiting www.scdfc.org.