The Norwalk Health and Welfare Committee Chairwoman Phylis Bolden will be holding a press conference this Friday, September 7, 2007 at 2:30PM in the City Hall Atrium to raise awareness of Sickle-cell disease. Mayor Moccia will read a proclamation recognizing September as National Sickle Cell Awareness Month as well as recognizing two young Norwalkers who succumbed to the disease; Briana Shantel Massey and Chrystal Lynne Mann.
September is Sickle Cell Awareness month, and to that end, the Norwalk Department of Health along with the Sickle Cell Disease Association and the Norwalk Community Health Center is sponsoring a screening event/rally at the South Norwalk Community Center on Thursday September 13, 2007. The event/rally will be between 9:30am and 11:30am.
According to a press release:
The event will offer educational and screening opportunities targeted at residents of the South Norwalk community, particularly because sickle cell disease affects one in every 375 African-Americans and one in every 1000 Hispanics. Sickle cell anemia affects millions of people worldwide. It’s most common in people whose families come from Africa, South or Central America, the Caribbean islands, Mediterranean countries (such as Turkey, Greece, and Italy), India, and Saudi Arabia. Because so many are affected, all are welcome to attend.
