06/17/2026
100,000 Americans are living with sickle cell disease right now. The majority of them are Black. And for too long, this community has had to fight harder for answers, harder for care, and harder just to be seen. That needs to change.
Tomorrow, June 19 is World Sickle Cell Day, a day of awareness and action. This year's global theme is "Closing the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Disease." This theme challenges us all to do better, know more, and be present for the people in our lives who are carrying this every single day.
Join AAHP for two events that can help you answer that call:
Tomorrow, Thursday, June 18, Howard University will host the 12th Annual World Sickle Cell Day Symposium “Is 50 the New 20? Boldly Living Your Best Life with Sickle Cell Disease” from 10 AM – 12 PM.
On Saturday, June 27, AAHP and Mt. Calvary Baptist Church will host Community Forum: 4-Year Update on Sickle Cell Disease from 10 AM – 12 PM at Leon Grant Family Life Center in Rockville. Hear from clinicians, researchers, advocates, warriors, and families. Lunch provided. Pre-register by June 24 at mtcbc.org/sickle-cell-update-2026 or call 301-424-8717.
You don't have to be a doctor or a researcher or even personally affected to show up. You just have to care. Come learn something. Bring somebody with you. Be part of the conversation that leads to change.