Saint Lucia Sickle Cell Association Marks 39 Years of Advocacy and Service

The Saint Lucia Sickle Cell Association is marking 39 years of advocacy and service as the country observes Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September. Under the theme “What Does Pain Look Like?”, the association is drawing attention to the severe and often misunderstood pain experienced by people living with sickle cell disease. The organization is encouraging greater empathy and support from the public, employers and community groups, while promoting blood donations, volunteerism, educational initiatives and improved health-care services. Citizens are also encouraged to learn their genotype and sickle cell status as part of efforts to prevent the disease and support informed future decisions.