May 18 brunch will offer sickle cell disease support in Albany area
ALBANY – The MTS Sickle Cell Foundation has partnered with the Georgia Public Library Service and the Dougherty County Library System to help raise awareness about sickle cell disease in the community.
The library will host a SCD awareness brunch from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. May 18 at the Northwest Library Event Center, located at 2507 Dawson Road, for a day of education, community building and learning how to support those affected by the disease.
The most common inherited blood disorder, sickle cell is a life-threatening chronic illness that affects about 6.4 million people around the world, with an estimated 300,000 babies diagnosed each year.
In the United States, SCD affects roughly 100,000 Americans, occurring disproportionately in black and brown populations. About 14,000 Georgia residents are estimated to have the disease.
The library system has embraced the collaborative effort to help share information about sickle cell and to show support for sickle cell warriors who have the disease and their families in Dougherty County and the southwest Georgia area.
The event will feature presenters sharing information about treatments and resources available, and there is no cost to attend. Warriors, caregivers and individuals who wish to learn more about sickle cell disease are encouraged to attend.
Individuals who plan to attend should RSVP before Saturday by calling (229) 420-3230 or by visiting dcpl@docolib.org.
