Sickle Cell Trait Awareness Month
Sickle cell trait has long been a consistent priority within the sickle cell community. Every summer, we dedicate time to raising awareness and sharing education around what it truly means to carry the trait.
This year’s focus: “What we aren’t told about sickle cell trait.”
Even when no symptoms are present, sickle cell trait can still affect health, influence family planning, and shape future outcomes.
This campaign challenges the idea that sickle cell trait is harmless or irrelevant. We’re highlighting why testing matters, how SCT may impact the body in rare but serious ways, like increasing the risk of conditions such as renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) and what steps can be taken to stay informed and protected.
Our goal is to shift the conversation, making sure individuals with sickle cell trait have access to accurate, useful information that supports lifelong health decisions.
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Ask the Experts Live – Sickle Cell Trait Edition
Join us on Friday, August 15th from 9:30am – 11:30am for a special Ask the Experts Live event in honor of Sickle Cell Trait Month. This extended session brings together top medical professionals to answer your questions about sickle cell trait.
Whether you’re living with sickle cell trait, sickle cell disease, a caregiver, or simply want to learn more, this is your chance to hear directly from experts and ask your questions in real-time.
📍 Live on Instagram and YouTube: @SickleCell101
2025 Sickle Cell Trait Awareness Month
Our Theme
What We Aren’t Told About Sickle Cell Trait
August is recognized as Sickle Cell Trait Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of understanding what it means to carry the sickle cell trait (SCT).
SCT is often misunderstood or overlooked because it typically doesn’t cause symptoms. But that doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Sickle cell trait can influence health in rare but serious ways, impact reproductive decisions, and contribute to conditions like renal medullary carcinoma (RMC).
This awareness month focuses on:
Educating communities about why knowing your SCT status matters
Debunking myths that trait is “just a carrier status” with no health relevance
Sharing stories from individuals living with the trait
Encouraging testing and informed conversations within families and relationships
By raising awareness this month, we aim to make sure people with SCT aren’t left out of the conversation. Understanding the trait is a key step in empowering individuals, improving care, and preventing future complications.
Campaign Features
Sickle Cell 101’s 2025 Sickle Cell Trait Month Campaign will feature:
Ask the Experts Live (Sickle Cell Trait Edition): Join our global Q&A where sickle cell experts answer real-time questions on sickle cell trait.
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.