The disease, though rare, the most commonly inherited blood disorder in the United States and affects approximately 100,000 people in the United States.
The disease disproportionately affects African Americans and Hispanic Americans. One in 12 African Americans and one in 100 Hispanic Americans are at risk for carrying the sickle cell trait, but parents are typically unaware they carry the trait and are only notified of their child’s status approximately 37 percent of the time.
The senators’ resolution calls for greater research into sickle cell trait and disease and recommends that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expand access to screening and appropriate counseling for carriers of sickle cell trait.
- Jessica Wehrman, Washington Bureau
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