Sickle cell conditions are inherited from parents in much the same way as blood type, hair color and texture, eye color and other physical traits. The types of hemoglobin a person makes in the red blood cells depend upon what hemoglobin genes the person inherits from his or her parents. Sickle cells are destroyed rapidly in the body of people with the disease causing anemia, jaundice and the formation of gallstones. Based on recent reports from the U.S. Census Bureau in 2006 there is an estimated 496,575 persons residing in Volusia County of which 61% which equates to 302,910 individuals are of child bearing age and could be potential carriers of the sickle cell gene. People who are considering having children should know about the probabilities of significant genetic disorders which could occur.

Community is basically our adult education program. We provide a multifaceted venue of services including sickle cell education and awareness, screening and testing for abnormal hemoglobinopathy (sickle cell disease and trait). We provide counseling and follow-up for all individuals who test positive. Case Management services and support groups are available to adults with sickle cell and parents of children with the disease.

Our goal is to educate the community about sickle cell disease and identify potential carriers within the child bearing age, to assist them in making informed family planning decisions, and encourage public awareness concerning sickle cell conditions.