ASH Sickle Cell Disease Initiative Fund

What Is SCD?

Sickle cell disease is a devastating and painful condition affecting approximately 70,000 to 100,000 Americans and millions of people worldwide. It is the most common inherited, lifelong blood disorder, and causes severe pain and other serious problems. SCD complications include stroke, acute chest syndrome, organ damage, other disabilities, and in some cases premature death.

Learn more about SCD diagnosis and treatment.

What Is ASH Doing?

Since 2015, ASH has collaborated with stakeholders to enhance access to care, prioritize meaningful research, and support global action. Here are some of the highlights along the way:

• In 2018 the ASH Research Collaborative (ASH RC) launched to foster partnerships and accelerate progress in hematology with SCD as a leading part of its work.
• In 2021 the Consortium on Newborn Screening in Africa (CONSA) was formed as a collaboration with hematologists and public health authorities focused on screening and early interventions for children with SCD in sub-Saharan Africa.
• In 2024, the ASH established the Center for Sickle Cell Disease Initiatives, a strategic hub designed to unify and elevate ASH efforts under one cohesive vision. ASH also convened a dedicated SCD Task Force to assess outcomes of the first 10 years and to set future-facing priorities through 2031.

Explore the full scope of ASH's efforts to improve the lives of people with SCD.

How You Can Help

ASH is convening key partners to address the global burden of SCD, but they need help. Charitable contributions to the ASH Sickle Cell Disease Initiative Fund will help ASH pursue key programs making a positive impact on access to SCD care, research, and global issues. Get involved today and partner with ASH to ensure that people with SCD have access to state-of-the-art clinical care.

Because of strong institutional support from ASH, 100% of all charitable donations to the ASH Foundation directly benefit programs sponsored by ASH and are tax deductible as allowed by law.