City of Mobile proclaims September as Sickle Cell Awareness Month

By Michelle Ryan-Day
[email protected]

The City of Mobile has officially proclaimed September 2026 as Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month, recognizing the impact of sickle cell disease on individuals and families across the region and highlighting the importance of education, advocacy, and access to specialized care.  

The proclamation, issued by Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis, acknowledges the work of healthcare providers, community organizations and advocates who support people living with the disease. Leaders from the comprehensive sickle cell center accepted the proclamation at the Mobile City Council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 1, and many representatives from USA Health and the local chapter of Sickle Cell Disease Association of America attended the presentation.

For Ardie Pack-Mabien, Ph.D., FNP-BC, director of the USA Health Johnson Haynes Jr., M.D. Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, the proclamation represents a meaningful step toward increasing visibility for a population that is often overlooked.

“This means more than what mere words can express for the more than 500 children and adults with this chronic illness and their families and/or caregivers who receive care at USA Health,” Pack-Mabien said. “By issuing a proclamation recognizing September as National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the City of Mobile formally and publicly acknowledged the importance of sickle cell awareness, education, prevention and treatment for a population that often goes unrecognized or is marginalized.”

Throughout September, the Johnson Haynes Jr., M.D. Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center will join the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Mobile Chapter and community partners in a series of events designed to educate the community, celebrate individuals living with sickle cell disease and encourage support for patients and families.

One of the month's signature events is the PACT Transition Planning Open House on Sept. 9 from 4 to 6 p.m. The event is designed to help adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease prepare for the transition from pediatric to adult healthcare services, while connecting families with resources and support systems.

On Friday, Sept. 11, community members will participate in the Tricycle for Sickle Cell ride as part of ArtWalk in downtown Mobile beginning at 6 p.m. On Saturday, Sept. 12, the RSA Trustmark Tower in Mobile and the RSA Tower in Montgomery will turn red to raise awareness for the disease and honor those affected by it.  

On Saturday, Sept. 26, community members are asked to support the Haynes & Hazzard Annual Day of Service Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1303 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. The blood drive highlights the critical need for blood donations, which play an essential role in the treatment of many individuals living with sickle cell disease.

According to Pack-Mabien, these events provide opportunities to educate the public about the disease and its impact on patients and families.

"These activities help strengthen community support, share facts and dispel myths through social media campaigns and community events that allow the broader community to learn about this disease, its genetic aspects and its impact on the lives of affected individuals and their families," she said.

The awareness campaign also highlights the longstanding partnership between USA Health and the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Mobile Chapter.

“There is a synergistic relationship between the two entities that is long-standing and unique through a shared mission of education, community engagement and promotion of specialized comprehensive and holistic care for those affected by this disease and their families,” Pack-Mabien said.