Message from the Minister of Health — National Sickle Cell Awareness Day — June 19, 2018

Today is National Sickle Cell Awareness Day. Both the World Health Organization and the United Nations have recognized sickle cell disease as a global public health priority. Approximately 5,000 Canadians, including children, have sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that can shorten the life of affected individuals by more than 30 years. It is caused by abnormally shaped red blood cells that can impair blood flow, causing strokes, lung disease, and organ damage. 

I would like to thank the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Canada for its tireless efforts to raise awareness of sickle cell disease and to improve the quality of life of affected individuals and their families. We can all do our part to help raise awareness in Canada, so please take a minute today to learn about this disease and how to help those who have it. For more information, please visit the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Canada website.

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Health