Councilman Jimmie L. Williams, III Announces State funding for Sickle Cell Patient Clinic in Homestead
On Monday, June 19, 2017, Councilman Jimmie L. Williams, III hosted a press conference at Homestead City Hall, announcing State funds received by the City of Homestead for new sickle cell disease research clinic. Councilman Williams was accompanied by representatives from the intended funding recipient, Foundation for Sickle Cell Research, and other elected officials who helped secure the funding.
The Foundation for Sickle Cell Research will open a research and care clinic in Homestead to service residents living with Sickle Cell Disease. Sickle Cell Disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States, affecting approximately 70,000 to 80,000 Americans, including 1 in 500 African-Americans and one in every 1,000 to 1,400 Hispanic-Americans. Florida has the highest rate of Sickle Cell births and the highest number of people living with the disease in the United States. Miami-Dade County is part of the area in South Florida where most Sickle Cell Disease patients live.
The Sickle Cell gene was first introduced to the U.S. in 1789 via the transatlantic slave trade. The disease has a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life, causing both physical and economic hardship, and often contributing to early death.
For more information, please contact Salena Meeks at (305) 224-4456 or smeeks@cityofhomestead.com.
Haz clic para leer en Español: Anuncian financiamiento estatal para la nueva clínica de investigación de la enfermedad de células falciformes
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