Media contact: Sarah Martin
Regional Communications Manager
sarah.martin5@redcross.org | 951-432-9625

SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 25, 2024) – September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month and this year, the American Red Cross of Utah is eager to shine a light on new findings about sickle cell disease here in our state. The Utah Division of Population Health have fulfilled the requirements passed in H.B. 487 during the 2023 legislative session sponsored by Representative Sandra Hollins to review and develop recommendations for improving the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease in Utah.

In 2023, Michael Smauldon, Northern Utah Chapter Executive Director, and Jeremiah Lafranca, Salt Lake Chapter Executive Director, met with Rep. Hollins before the state legislative session to propose the bill that aimed to improve care for Utah residents with sickle cell disease. This report is the result of that legislation.

“The Red Cross is passionate about helping those in need and sickle cell disease can create incredible pain,” Lafranca said. “The community needs to partner with government services to address existing health care disparities and improve access to health care. HB 487 is a step forward for all Utahns with sickle cell disease.”

Here are a few key findings:
• About 200 Utahns are estimated to have Sickle Cell Disease in Utah, and at least one-third of those people are hospitalized for the disease each year.
• Sickle Cell Registry: There is currently no disease registry or surveillance system for sickle cell patients. The report recommends creating this system to better understand the demographics, geography, treatment, and incidence of SCD in our state.
• Sickle Cell Disease Center: The report recommends creating a disease center for sickle cell patients to support them in finding qualified medical care and improving access to health insurance.
• Provider Education: Many sickle cell patients in Utah do not have access to a doctor with specific training in their disease and are forced to take on the extra burden of advocating for their pain and treatment needs. The report recommends increasing access to provider education.
• Disease Taskforce: The report recommends creating a limited-time sickle cell disease taskforce to guide strategic planning throughout the state.

The full report by the Utah Division of Population Health is available on the Utah Legislature website.

Treatment for Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle Cell Disease is a genetic condition that warps the shape of a person’s red blood cells, creating life-threatening and painful complications. There is no cure for the disease currently, but regular blood transfusions are used to treat the symptoms. Some patients will need up to 100 blood transfusion a year. Sickle Cell Disease predominantly affects people of African descent.

“One in three African American blood donors is a match for people with sickle cell disease,” said Representative Sandra Hollins, who sponsored the legislation leading to this report. “We need more donors who are Black to give blood to help those in our community who are suffering from sickle cell.”

Help by becoming a Blood Donor
You may be a match for someone with Sickle Cell Disease. Find a Red Cross blood drive hear you at RedCrossBlood.org or on your Red Cross Blood Donor App. Those who come to give blood Sept. 16-30 will get a $15 e-gift card to their merchant of choice. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Fall for details.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

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