House Passes Resolution Recognizing Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month

September 26, 2007 –The House of Representatives has passed a non-binding resolution recognizing Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month. The resolution (H.Con.Res.210), sponsored by Representative Danny Davis (D-IL), passed the House late yesterday by a unanimous vote of 415-0.

Sickle cell disease affects more than 70,000 people in the United States and more than 2,000,000 Americans have the sickle cell trait. ASH has been a leading advocate in seeking continued federal funding for education and other services related to the prevention and treatment of sickle cell disease.

Though it does not carry the weight of law, the resolution passed by the House expresses Congress’ support of the goals and ideals of Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month and states that "Congress recognizes the importance of researching, preventing, and treating sickle cell disease."

A similar resolution (S.Con.Res.46) has also been introduced in the Senate by Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) and may be considered in the near future.