Biden Reaffirms Commitment to SCD Treatment in National Sickle Cell Awareness Month Proclamation

President Biden issued a proclamation marking September as National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, highlighting the 100,000 Americans affected by sickle cell disease (SCD). He emphasized the need for ongoing support, development of treatments and the elimination of care disparities.

The proclamation noted key developments, including Food and Drug Administration approval of the first gene therapies for SCD and ongoing research aimed at improving quality of life and finding cost-effective treatments. Biden also stressed the administration's focus on improving treatment access for Medicare and Medicaid recipients and reducing barriers to access, particularly for Black and Hispanic Americans.

Biden noted that to address health disparities, the Health Resources and Services Administration is expanding community-based care, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is improving data collection to better target resources and care coordination.