A resolution expressing support for the designation of June 19, 2025, as "World Sickle Cell Awareness Day" in order to increase public awareness across the United States and global community about sickle cell disease and the continued need for empirical research, early detection screenings, novel effective treatments leading to a cure, and preventative care programs with respect to complications from sickle cell anemia and conditions relating to sickle cell disease.

Senate statement backing a June 2025 sickle cell awareness day — no change in law

The details

Most people would see no change in daily life. This resolution backs World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, held on June 19, 2025. Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder. About 100,000 people in the U.S. have it. About 1 in 365 Black babies is born with it. The resolution is a statement of views, not a law. It calls on the health department to work with local governments on resources for newborn testing and treatment. It also asks the department to shape global policy on the disease. It supports removing hurdles to new gene and cell treatments in Medicare and Medicaid. It urges the President to form a team of agencies to widen fair access to these treatments. That team would also look at bias patients face in health care. The resolution was sent to a Senate committee and has not had a vote.