SICKLE CELL AWARENESS MONTH
September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month, a time to learn about the sickle cell disease, recognize the experiences of students, staff and community members living with it, and a chance to build a greater understanding and support within our communities for the future.
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Sickle cell disease can affect many parts of a student's life including attending class, completing assignments, working, participating in campus activities and managing everyday responsibilities.
For students living with SCD, support may sometimes look like flexibility, understanding, accessibility accommodations or simply having someone take their experience seriously.
It's also an opportunity for the wider campus community to learn about a condition that is often misunderstood and to think about what belonging and accessibility can look like in practice.
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Here are a few ways turn Sickle Cell Awareness into action practical action:
Learn beyond the awareness month.
Take time to understand what sickle cell disease is, how it can affect someone's everyday life, and the misconceptions that people living with SCD may encounter.Challenge misconceptions.
Help create a culture where people living with SCD aren't dismissed, judged or expected to “push through” pain. What may look like someone being absent, tired or disengaged could be connected to their health.Make room for accessibility.
Flexibility can make a meaningful difference. As classmates, staff and faculty, consider how we can create learning and work environments where students can access the support and accommodations they need.Support SCD organizations & community-led work.
Learn about organizations doing research, education, advocacy and community support, and consider attending an event, sharing their resources or supporting their work.Talk about health equity.
Sickle cell disease offers an opportunity to have broader conversations about how race, healthcare, disability and access intersect. Bring what you've learned into conversations with your peers, classrooms and communities. -
Looking for a resources to help you learn more about Sickle Cell Disease? Take a look here: Sickle Cell Awareness Guide Book
Approximately 5,000 Canadians live with sickle cell disease. For some, the condition can have a significant impact on health and may shorten life expectancy by more than 30 years.
Did You Know?
In 2017, Canada officially recognized on June 19 as National Sickle Cell Awareness Day, which created a country-wide focus on education, awareness and reducing stigma around sickle cell disease.
In 2021, Ontario officially recognized June 19 as Sickle Cell Awareness Day which helped bring that recognition into the province and supporting greater awareness of sickle cell disease and thalassemia.
Sickle Cell Awareness Month 2022 followed the historic passing of Bill 255, Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Day and Thalassemia Awareness Day Act, 2021 brought even more attention to health equity, stigma and access to care for people living with sickle cell disease across Canada. We all can play a part in bringing awareness, meaningful conversation and change to reduce stigma and improve equitable care access for all.
Living with sickle cell disease? There may be support for you.
Your health is part of your student experience, and you shouldn't have to navigate it alone. 💛
Through SSU’s new Health & Dental Plan, eligible domestic students and OHIP-eligible students enrolled in the plan have coverage for Hydroxyurea, an oral medication that helps red blood cells stay round and flexible, which can reduce pain crises and the need for blood transfusions. Want to know what else is covered and if you’re eligible for our plan?
Education and awareness about sickle cell disease are still limited, which makes opportunities to learn and listen especially important. There is always more to learn and understand about SCD. By learning more, listening to people with lived experience and staying open to perspectives beyond our own, we can help create a community where people living with SCD feel seen, heard, respected and supported.
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