Austin proclaims September 2025 as Sickle Cell Awareness Month; Dell Children’s clinician urges better access to specialized care

Council member Jose Velasquez presented a proclamation declaring September 2025 as Sickle Cell Awareness Month in Austin.

Velasquez cited Centers for Disease Control estimates that sickle cell disease affects about 100,000 people in the United States and said the disease disproportionately affects people of color. The proclamation recognized Dell Children’s as the only medical facility in Austin and one of the few in the region providing specialized comprehensive care for children with sickle cell disease.

Dr. Alicia Chang, assistant professor in pediatrics and medical director of the comprehensive sickle cell program at Dell Children’s Medical Center, spoke after the proclamation. Chang described sickle cell disease as the most common inherited blood disorder worldwide and listed serious complications patients can experience, including anemia, pain crises requiring hospitalization, stroke, infections and organ damage. She said the life expectancy for people with sickle cell disease is about 30 years less than the average adult and called for increased awareness to improve access to care, reduce stigma and advance research and treatment options.

The proclamation text said awareness efforts can foster more patient support groups and community events. The transcript records the ceremonial proclamation and the clinical remarks; it does not record any binding policy change or budget action.