National Sickle Cell Awareness Month
Every September, we dedicate time to raising awareness and amplifying education about sickle cell disease.
This year’s theme is “What Does Pain Look Like?”
Too often, sickle cell pain is dismissed or underestimated because it is invisible or does not match what people expect illness to look like. This campaign challenges the idea that pain must be visible to be real.
We are highlighting the many faces of sickle cell pain. These include sharp crises, chronic daily aches, the emotional toll of being misunderstood, and the resilience shown in school, work, and caregiving. By shifting the conversation, our goal is to ensure that pain in sickle cell disease is recognized, validated, and addressed with compassion.
Support Our Mission
Join us in empowering the global sickle cell community. Your donation helps us provide life-saving education, amplify patient voices, and support transformative research. Support on GiveButter.
Know the Facts About Sickle Cell Disease
Swipe through to explore essential facts about sickle cell disease and trait—what they are, who they affect, and why awareness matters.
Want to share or revisit later? Download facts here.
National Sickle Cell Awareness Month Poster Archive
Explore and download official National Sickle Cell Awareness Month posters from previous years. These materials celebrate awareness, advocacy, and action from across the globe. Whether you’re educating, organizing, or honoring the day, use these graphics to amplify your message and inspire others year after year.
Explore & Download2024-2025 Poster Ft. Akanji
2022 – 2023 Poster
2021 Poster
National Sickle Cell Awareness Month
Our Theme
This year’s theme reminds us that sickle cell pain is not always visible. Beyond the physical toll, it can shape how someone learns, works, cares for family, and manages their emotional health.
This awareness month focuses on:
Recognizing that sickle cell pain is real even when invisible
Challenging harmful misconceptions about pain and resilience
Elevating the voices and stories of people living with sickle cell disease
Encouraging communities to respond with compassion and understanding
Campaign Features
Sickle Cell 101’s 2025 National Sickle Cell Awareness Month Campaign will Feature:
Ask the Experts Live (Pain Edition): Join our global Q&A where sickle cell experts answer real-time questions on pain.
Faces of Sickle Cell: Hear powerful stories from those impacted by SCD, sharing their journeys, raising awareness, and highlighting the strength of our community.
Digital Outreach: Educational material through our social media channels and newsletters with updates, resources, and ways to get involved.
Poster: Co-created with a sickle cell community artist, this poster helps raise awareness and spark conversations for National Sickle Cell Awareness Month.