The New York State Newborn Screening Program housed at the Wadsworth Center was the first program in the U.S. to implement screening for sickle cell disease in 1975. Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder affecting hemoglobin, the major protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells. The abnormal hemoglobin causes sickle-shaped red blood cells that can break down prematurely and/or block blood flow, leading to anemia, pain, infections, and other severe complications. Sickle cell disease affects more than 100,000 people in the U.S. Newborn screening for sickle cell disease facilitates early diagnosis and treatment, which can improve health outcomes.
September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of newborn screening for sickle cell disease in New York State, the Wadsworth Center’s Newborn Screening Program convened a workgroup to plan activities to promote awareness and engage the community. On Saturday September 27, 12 buildings and landmarks across New York State were illuminated in red to celebrate National Sickle Cell Awareness month:
- 1WTC
- Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
- Kosciuszko Bridge
- The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
- Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
- Empire State Plaza
- Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
- Albany International Airport Gateway
- MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
- Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
- Moynihan Train Hall
- Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park
Other accomplishments by the workgroup to date:
- June 19: Department of Health press release to recognize World Sickle Cell Day
- July 18: New Sickle Cell Disease 50th Anniversary flyer finalized
- August 2: Informational table held at the Albany Black Arts and Cultural Festival: Grand Rising Health and Wellness Fair at the Empire State Plaza
- September 8: Department of Health Press release to recognize National Sickle Cell Awareness Month
- September 22: Call for art submissions announced
- September 27: Landmarks illuminated in red for Sickle Cell Awareness Month
- September 29: New Proclamation designating September 2025 as Sickle Cell Awareness Month signed by Governor Hochul
- October 5: History of Sickle Cell Disease screening in New York State to be presented at the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) Newborn Screening Symposium in Providence, Rhode Island