September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, a time to help focus attention on the need for research and treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD). This month aims to promote awareness and education about the disease, reduce misinformation and stigmatization associated with the blood disorder, and draw attention to the ongoing need for better patient care.
SCD is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States, affecting an estimated 100,000 Americans, many of whom are African American. This disease affects red blood cells, making them hard and sticky. The blood cells of someone living with sickle cell disease are C-shaped and they become stuck as they travel through small blood vessels and can cause acute pain, infection, and stroke.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- More than 90% of people in the United States with SCD are non-Hispanic Black or African American, and an estimated 3%–9% are Hispanic or Latino.
- SCD occurs in about 1 out of every 365 Black or African American births and about 1 out of every 16,300 Hispanic American births.
- About 1 in 13 Black or African American babies is born with sickle cell trait.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is proud to work alongside its federal partners and leaders outside of government to improve data quality and collaboration so that we can better tackle SCD. Over the years, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has funded and supported research through its Cure Sickle Cell Initiative helping make important discoveries possible. In December 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the First Gene Therapies to Treat Patients with Sickle Cell Disease.
Learn more about sickle cell research studies at the Cure Sickle Cell Initiative website and find studies to join at ClinicalTrials.gov. Visit the NHLBI National Sickle Cell Awareness Month website for more information, handouts, graphics, and social media resources, to help raise awareness about sickle cell disease.
|
National Preparedness Month is observed in September and led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Ready Campaign. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. This year, National Preparedness Month will focus on empowering Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities to act today to prepare for future risks and disasters.
In 2023, HHS declared a Public Health Emergency (PHE) for the state of Hawai’i to address the health impacts of the wildfires. This disaster resulted in the displacement of thousands of Native Hawaiians. According to FEMA’s 2023 National Household Survey, 65% of Asian Americans and 58% of Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islanders surveyed reported that they don’t believe that taking a step to prepare will make a difference and were not confident in their ability to prepare.
CDC’s Office of Readiness and Response (ORR) helps U.S. communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies with evidence-based recommendations, technical assistance, and resources. ORR created discussion-based activities to help public health departments develop “whole community” plans that consider the impacts of social determinants of health (SDOH) on personal health preparedness and response.
We encourage everyone to visit Ready.gov to learn how to better prepare for disasters and emergencies. Start by making a plan with your family and know which types of disasters could affect your area.
|
September is National Recovery Month, an annual observance to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s strong recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery possible.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) report on Recovery from Substance Use and Mental Health Problems Among Adults in the United States, 50.2 million adults considered themselves to be in recovery or to have recovered from their substance use and/or mental health problem in 2021. The report also shows that 69.4% of Black/African Americans, 71.5% of Asians, and 70.2% of Hispanics/Latinos were in recovery from substance use or mental health problems in 2021.
If you or someone you know needs help with their mental health or substance use, visit FindTreatment.gov or call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline which provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, and prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.
Visit SAMHSA’s National Recovery Month website to find more upcoming events, resources, and downloadable materials.
|
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month — a time to remember the lives lost to suicide, acknowledge the millions more who have experienced suicidal thoughts, and the many individuals, families and communities that have been impacted by suicide. It’s also a time to raise awareness about suicide prevention and share messages of hope.
Though suicidal thoughts and behaviors can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background, racial and ethnic minority populations can experience negative social conditions that increase the risk of suicide and suicidal behavior. From 2018 to 2021, suicide rates increased among non-Hispanic AI/AN people (26%) and non-Hispanic Black people (19.2%) compared to a 3.9% decrease among non-Hispanic white people. Factors like racism and discrimination, economic hardship, poverty, barriers to physical and mental healthcare access, or feeling a lack of connectedness to others can contribute to suicide disparities. Addressing these negative factors can help prevent suicide and suicide attempts.
Everyone can play a role in preventing suicide. Check out these resources from the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and SAMHSA that call attention to the importance of suicide prevention:
If you or someone you know needs help with their mental health, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (also available in Spanish) which provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
Use SAMHSA’s Suicide Prevention Awareness Month toolkit to raise awareness this month and ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.
|
September 18 is National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day (NHAAD). Led by the AIDS Institute, NHAAD is observed each year to focus on the increasing number of people who, because of major advancements in HIV treatment, are living long, full lives with HIV. It also calls attention to the unique health and social needs, as well as the challenges of HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care among people who are aging.
According to the CDC, in 2022, 18% of the 31,800 new HIV infections were among people age 45 and older. AI/AN, NHPI, and Hispanic/Latino people had the lowest rates of people who knew their HIV status among all racial and ethnic groups. Racial and ethnic minorities are also more likely to be diagnosed with AIDS, the most advanced stage of HIV infection, so early diagnosis is important for these populations.
This month, encourage older adults to get tested and know their status. Use the CDC’s GetTested search tool to find free, fast, and confidential HIV testing services. For HIV resources in Spanish, visit the Let’s Stop HIV Together Spanish resource library. Use graphics and social media messages from the CDC to spread the word about NHAAD in September.
|
In recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the OMH Knowledge Center is sharing a collection of recent articles and documents that explore suicide rates and prevention in racial and ethnic minority communities. The topics in this collection touch on the 988 Suicide and Prevention Lifeline, risks and protective factors for suicidality, the link between suicide and racial and ethnic discrimination, and more. Many of these resources are available to access online for free.
You can access this collection through the OMH Knowledge Center online catalog.
|
|
