BEVERLY EAVES PERDUE
GOVERNOR
SICKLE CELL AWARENESS MONTH
2010
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, particularly among African Americans; and
WHEREAS, sickle cell disease was first diagnosed in the United States in 1910; and
WHEREAS, it is estimated that more than 6,000 people have sickle cell disease in North Carolina,
and more than 200,000 people in the State have the sickle cell trait, which means that they carry the gene
for this condition; and
WHEREAS, approximately one in every 500 African Americans and one in every 1,000 Hispanics
are bom with sickle cell disease; and
WHEREAS, there is no cure for sickle cell disease, though treatment is available to help those
with sickle cell disease lead more productive and rewarding lives; and
WHEREAS, since 1973, the North Carolina Sickle Cell Syndrome Program has provided quality
services throughout the State; and
WE1EREAS, 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, 1 BEVERLY EAVES PERDUE, Governor of the State of North Carolina,
do hereby proclaim September 2010, as “SICKLE CELL AWARENESS MONTH;” sickle cell is a
global concern that affects people of graces, and in North Carolina I urge our citizens to recognize and
support this observance.
BEVERLY EAVES PERDUE
IN WITNESS
Carolina at the Capitol in
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North
August in the year of our Lord two thousand and ten and the
