Expressing support for a "World Sickle Cell Awareness Day" in order to increase public awareness across the United States and global community about sickle cell disease and the continued need for empirical research, early detection screenings, novel effective treatments leading to a cure, and preventative care programs with respect to complications from sickle cell anemia and conditions relating to sickle cell disease.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1371
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-18: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-01T21:12:12Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution expresses congressional support for designating June 19, 2026, as "World Sickle Cell Awareness Day." Its goal is to raise public awareness in the United States and globally about sickle cell disease (SCD), while highlighting the need for research, early screenings, effective treatments, cures, and preventive care for related complications.
Key Provisions
- Supports the 2026 theme of "Closing the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Disease" and commits to equitable access to SCD treatments across economic, racial, and ethnic groups.
- Calls on the Department of Health and Human Services to develop global policy solutions in partnership with local governments, including support for newborn screening, therapies, and services.
- Supports removing barriers to innovative SCD therapies, such as cell, gene, and gene-editing treatments, within Medicare and Medicaid.
- Encourages individuals and communities to organize events on the awareness day to promote education on SCD traits, prevention, treatments, and patient services.
- Urges the President to establish a Sickle Cell Disease Interagency Group involving agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Veterans Affairs, National Institutes of Health, Food and Drug Administration, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
- Directs the interagency group to address access to future curative treatments and healthcare bias affecting SCD populations.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution introduces no changes to existing law. As a non-binding House resolution, it serves only to express support and encourage actions rather than amend statutes or create new legal requirements.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: It may prompt the formation of an interagency group and encourage the Department of Health and Human Services to pursue policy solutions for screenings and treatments.
- On citizens: It could increase public education and awareness about SCD, potentially leading to more individuals seeking screenings or support services.
- On international relations: It calls for global policy efforts, which may foster collaboration with countries where SCD is prevalent, such as those in sub-Saharan Africa.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Individuals living with SCD or sickle cell trait and their families.
- Healthcare providers, researchers, and organizations focused on SCD.
- Federal agencies including the Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Advocacy groups such as the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America.
- Populations disproportionately affected, including African-American and Hispanic-American communities in the United States, as well as global communities in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, South and Central America, and parts of Asia.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The resolution has no direct legal or constitutional implications, as it lacks enforceable mandates. Politically, it emphasizes equity in healthcare access and addresses potential bias in systems affecting SCD patients, which may influence future policy discussions on treatment availability and global health priorities.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-18: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-06-18: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for a "World Sickle Cell Awareness Day" in order to increase public awareness across the United States and global community about sickle cell disease and the continued need for empirical research, early detection screenings, novel effective treatments leading to a cure, and preventative care programs with respect to complications from sickle cell anemia and conditions relating to sickle cell disease. — issued 2026-06-18 — PDF (7 pages)