The Birmingham City Council meeting on September 2, 2025, featured a significant proclamation aimed at raising awareness for sickle cell disease. Mayor Randall Woodfin, represented by a council member, announced September 2025 as Sickle Cell Awareness Month in Birmingham. This initiative highlights the impact of sickle cell disease, which affects over 5,000 individuals in Alabama and is particularly prevalent among African American children.

During the meeting, the council recognized the Lifespan Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and its efforts to educate the public about the disorder. The proclamation emphasized the serious health complications associated with sickle cell disease, including acute pain episodes that require immediate medical attention.

Sharon Lykos, the community outreach coordinator at the UAB Lifespan Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, expressed gratitude to the council and Mayor Woodfin for their support in acknowledging the importance of sickle cell awareness. The city aims to promote education, research, and improved treatments, with the hope of one day finding a cure for this inherited blood disorder.

This proclamation not only seeks to inform the community but also encourages residents to engage in discussions about sickle cell disease and its effects, fostering a supportive environment for those affected.