Statement on World Sickle Cell Awareness Day
TORONTO, ON — Jill Andrew, MPP for Toronto-St. Paul’s, released the following statement on behalf of the NDP caucus on World Sickle Cell Awareness Day:
“Today, the Ontario NDP joins organizations like the Sickle Cell Association of Ontario and people around the globe in recognizing World Sickle Cell Awareness Day.
Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder that affects thousands of Ontarians and that disproportionately affects African, Black and Caribbean communities — communities that often face barriers to accessing adequate health care and resources.
Ontarians living with sickle cell disease shouldn’t have to endure agonizing waits when the pain caused by this blood disorder sends them to the hospital. The province could change that by heeding calls to adopt a Universal Hospital Protocol where Ontarians experiencing a sickle cell crisis would receive care within half an hour.
Let’s fight and work to raise awareness about sickle cell disease, its impacts, and how together we can make a difference.”
