Sickle Cell Oregon Globe – October 2025 Newsletter
Welcome to the October 2025 edition of the Sickle Cell Oregon Globe! This month we’re setting the record straight on common myths about sickle cell disease, sharing critical information about sickle cell trait that could save lives, and issuing an urgent call for blood donations to support our community.
In This Month’s Newsletter:
Setting the Record Straight: Myth-Busting About Sickle Cell Disease
Misinformation about sickle cell disease can be harmful and even dangerous. Executive Director Pastor Marcia Taylor addresses two of the most persistent myths about SCD that need to be corrected:
Myth #1: Only Black People Get Sickle Cell Disease
The truth is that sickle cell disease does not discriminate based on ethnicity or skin color. Anyone of any ethnicity can have SCD. The disease is also found in people of Indian, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, and Mediterranean backgrounds. Whether children are born with SCD depends only on their parents’ genetic status, not their ethnicity or race.
Myth #2: Sickle Cell is a Contagious Blood-Borne Disease
SCD is a genetic condition present at birth, inherited when a child receives a sickle cell gene and an abnormal hemoglobin gene from each parent. It is not possible to get infected with SCD from someone else’s blood. Sickle cell disease is not contagious—you cannot “catch” SCD.
Understanding Sickle Cell Trait: What You Need to Know
An estimated 2 million Americans have sickle cell trait (SCT), yet many don’t know it. Understanding sickle cell trait is crucial not just for your own health, but for family planning decisions. If two people with sickle cell trait have children together, their child could be born with sickle cell disease.
What Is Sickle Cell Trait?
Sickle cell trait means you have inherited one sickle cell gene from one parent and one normal gene from the other parent. While most people with SCT live normal lives without symptoms, some carriers with a high percentage of sickle cells can experience serious complications under certain conditions, including dehydration, cold temperatures, stress, low oxygen levels, infections, or surgeries.
Critical Information for Sickle Cell Trait Carriers
If you have sickle cell trait and have experienced pain episodes, hospitalizations, or complications—your experience is real and valid. Some SCT carriers do have problems, and you deserve proper medical care. Don’t let anyone dismiss your symptoms.
Warning Signs That Require Immediate Medical Attention
If you have sickle cell trait and experience any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately:
- Severe, unexplained pain
- Extreme fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Blue-tinged nails or lips
- Sudden weakness
- Swollen hands and feet
Essential Tips for People with Sickle Cell Trait
- Avoid high altitudes (can be life-threatening for trait carriers)
- Avoid extreme temperatures
- Stay well hydrated at all times
- Know your sickle cell percentage
- Tell ALL your doctors about your SCT
- Get genetic counseling before pregnancy
- Know the warning signs of complications
Urgent Need: Blood Donations Save Sickle Cell Lives
Blood transfusions are one of the most critical treatments for sickle cell patients, but less than 10% of Americans donate blood. Sickle cell patients benefit most from blood transfusions from people of the same race or similar ethnicity, yet only 5% of blood donors are of African ancestry. Help make a difference for SCD patients in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest by pledging to donate blood this month.
Read the Full October 2025 Newsletter
Sickle Cell Oregon Globe – October 2025
Click here to download the October 2025 newsletter.
About the Sickle Cell Oregon Globe
The Sickle Cell Oregon Globe is the monthly newsletter of the Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation of Oregon & PNW. We serve families affected by sickle cell disease throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska, and Hawaii with support groups, educational resources, awareness events, and community connection.
Contact Us:
Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation of Oregon & PNW
4566 N. East 87th Ave
Portland, OR 97220
Phone: 503-249-1366
Email: info@sicklecelloregon.org
Website: www.sicklecelloregon.org
Keywords: sickle cell trait Oregon, sickle cell myths, SCD misconceptions, blood donation Portland, sickle cell disease prevention, genetic counseling, sickle cell awareness Pacific Northwest, SCT complications, high altitude risks sickle cell
