Currently, researchers are studying a number of new drug treatments that may reduce complications
of the disease. Like hydroxyurea, decitabine and butyrate (a food additive) appear to cause the body
to make a form of hemoglobin (fetal hemoglobin) that a baby makes before birth. Increased levels
of fetal hemoglobin appear to help prevent red blood cells from sickling. Other treatments that
may help prevent sickling include:

• Nitric oxide (a gas that can be inhaled)
• L-arginine (an oral dietary supplement that appears to boost the body's
  production of nitric oxide)
• Clotrimazole (an oral anti-fungal drug)
• Certain blood-thinning drugs

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The Sickle Cell Foundation of Orange County (SCDFOC) is proud to announce the observance of Sickle Cell Disease World Day. This day of observance is the product of the December 18, 2008, United Nations Resolution that called for the recognition of sickle cell anemia as a public health problem and “one of the world’s foremost genetic diseases.” The resolution calls for member States and the organizations of the United Nations system to raise awareness of sickle-cell anemia on June 19th of each year at the national and international level.

SCDFOC would like to acknowledge the efforts of the Sickle Cell Disease International Organization (SCDIO) in bringing about the passage of this United Nations Resolution and in establishing this annual international day of awareness.

The public celebration of this resolution will be held June 19th at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and the United Nations.