In 1975, Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month originated when the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America and its Member Organizations began conducting month long events to call attention to sickle cell disease and the need to address the problem at national and local levels.

Sickle Cell Month was officially recognized nationally in 1983 when the House of Representatives unanimously passed the resolution, introduced by the Congressional Black Caucus, asking President Reagan to designate September as “National Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness Month.” The President signed the resolution in Aug. of 1983.