WASHINGTON (June 14, 2016) – The Center for Sickle Cell Disease at Howard University will recognize World Sickle Cell Day Friday, June 17, with a research symposium that focuses on the latest developments in sickle cell science.

The program is from 10:00a.m.-2:00p.m. at Howard University Interdisciplinary Research Building, 2201 Georgia Ave., NW.,  will feature a roundtable on the dangers of prescription opioid use among sickle cell patients.

“Narcotics are currently our only option for a lot of patients who are trying to manage their daily, chronic pain related to sickle cell disease,” said Dr. Patricia Oneal, clinical director of the Howard University Sickle Cell Disease Center. “These issues deeply affect sickle cell patients.”

Participants in the program include: Dr. Anthony Campbell, clinical specialty consultant with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Ruth A. Carter, diversion program manager, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Dr. Ann Farrell, director, Division of Hematology Products, Food and Drug Administration; Swee Lay Thein, D.Sc. NHLBI, National Institutes of Health; and Dr. Krupa Sivamurthy, the global medical lead for the Sickle Cell Program at Pfizer. The program will also feature Ibrahim Kargbo, a sickle cell disease health advocate who knows the daily challenges of the disease firsthand.

Howard University President Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick will give opening remarks at the symposium. A surgeon, Dr. Frederick has said his passion to serve and to heal was driven by the personal impact of sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease is an inheritable, genetic disease causing red blood cell disorders which have been classified as sickle cell anemia and may lead to death. It is the most common public health problem in the African and Asian countries of the world. More than 90,000 to 100,000 people are affected by this disease in the United States.

#WorldSickleCellDay is celebrated every year on June 19, to raise public awareness about the disease. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008.

For more information, contact Sholnn Freeman, Howard University media relations, 202-865-3518 or sholnn.freeman@howard.edu