MICHAEL F. EASLEY
GOVERNOR
SICKLE CELL AWARENESS MONTH
2008
BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
A PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that causes pain, infection, disability,
economic strain and even death, pruticularly among African Americans; and
WHEREAS, according to the Heart, Luug and Blood Iustitute of the National Institutes of
Health, more than 4,000 African Americans have sickle cell disease in North Carolina, and more than
160,000 African Americans in the state have sickle cell trait, which means that they carry the gene for this
condition; and
WHEREAS, no cure for this disease exists, though treatment is available to help those with sickle
cell lead more productive and rewarding lives; and
WHEREAS, s ince 1973, the North Carolina Sickle Cell Syndrome Program has provided quality
services throughout the state; and
WHEREAS, provision of services is a collaborative effort between agencies, health care
providers, regional and community partners and the State Laboratory of Public Health; and
WHEREAS, services include screening of all newborns at birth, genetic counseling, service
coordination, medical reimbursement and social support for affected persons; and
WHEREAS, support for research on the treatment and management of this disorder is vital to
improving the health and quality of life of persons with sickle cell disease;
NOW, THEREFORE, I MICHAEL F. EASLEY, Governor of the State ofNorth Carolina, do
hereby proclaim September 2008, as "SICKLE CELL AWARENESS MONTH" in North Carolina and
urge our citizens to recognize and support this observance. -
rN WIINESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my band and affixed the Great Seal oftlJe State of North
Carol ina at the Capitol in Raleigh this twenty-sixth day of August in the year of our Lord two thousand and eight,
and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.