WASHINGTON - The Howard University Center for Sickle Cell Disease has announced plans for an online event to commemorate the 7th Annual World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, June 19, 2020. This year’s program will focus on  the role on caregivers and the impact of COVID-19 on the sickle cell community.

 The online symposium will feature expert presentations and interactive Q&A sessions online. The event will take  place from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., EDT. Please register via https://www.eventbrite.com/e/103972522614 

“We are excited to present our 7th Annual World Sickle Cell Day Event with a focus on the role of caregivers and the impact of COVID-19,” James G. Taylor VI, M.D., director of the Howard University Center for Sickle Cell Disease who will speak at the symposium.  “The importance of caregivers in ensuring the health and wellbeing of patients is critical; people with sickle cell disease depend on their spouses, family members, friends, and church and community members to help them through the tough times they face.”

Featured speakers include Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick who was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia at birth. Last year, Dr. Frederick ran a 5K race every month to bring awareness to sickle cell disease.

“I came here in 1988 to attend Howard University and a big part of my decision was the fact there was a sickle cell center here on campus,” said Dr. Frederick, who went on to become a surgical oncologist in addition to university president. “There was a support group which was very instrumental in me learning about my disease process and how to manage my disease. I’m always going to be grateful for the Howard University Sickle Cell Center and the work that they do.”

Other featured speakers include:  Nicole D. Williams-Milisits, advisory board participant for Howard University Sickle Cell Center; Patricia A. Oneal, M.D., medical officer for the Food and Drug Administration; and Charles Jonassaint, Ph.D., MHS, assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Oneal will take part in a Q&A session with the virtual audience.

The #WorldSickleCellDay symposium also features Cynthia Gipson, family advocate, the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Howard University Hospital; and Sergei Nekhai, Ph.D., deputy director of  Howard University Center for Sickle Cell Disease.

Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic disease in the United States and primarily affects African Americans. It leads to anemia, pain crisis, strokes and other problems. The Center for Sickle Cell Disease, the Howard University College of Medicine,  and Howard University Hospital, have long served as a  major international center for medical care, research, and other resources for  people with sickle cell disease. The Center for Sickle Cell Disease has participated in every major clinical trial that has led to FDA-approved medications for sickle cell disease treatement.

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About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced one Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 70 Fulbright Scholars. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.

For media inquiries, please contact Sholnn Freeman, Howard University communications, sholnn.freeman@howard.edu