Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a blood disorder in which an individual inherits an abnormal hemoglobin gene from each parent, altering the shape and functionality of the red blood cells. SCD predominantly affects persons of African descent. One in 365 black Americans are born with sickle cell disease. About 1 in every 13 black Americans who do not suffer from the disease carries the sickle cell trait. Subsequently, there are over 3 million individuals in the United States either suffering from SCD or carrying the trait. Compared to other diseases that primarily affect white Americans, such as cystic fibrosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, sickle cell disease receives significantly less funding for research and the development of better treatment plans. The disproportionate allocation of funds is due to a long-standing history of mistreatment and dehumanization of blacks in the United States. Therefore, this study will examine the potential negative impact of racial discrimination on research and improvement of therapeutic strategies for sickle cell disease.
