With an estimated five to 25% of Canadians of Caribbean, African, Asian and other descent carrying the trait gene for sickle cell – and with Ontario home to over 75% of Canadians living with sickle cell disease, The Camera is highlighting the need to combat this affliction during Black History Month.
While not a Black disease, it does affect Blacks at a higher rate than other ethnicities and leads to severe chronic pain, serious bacterial infections and acute and chronic organ damage.
Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder and is not contagious. Both parents must carry the abnormal gene for a child to get the disease.
People are urged to ask their family doctor to check to find out if the person they plan to marry or have a child with carries the gene through a simple test.
Humber College is offering its fourth-annual sickle cell workshop with a close working relationship with Jamaica,. Instructor Tiney Beckles said the purpose of Inside Out: When Blood Hurts is to raise awareness of this serious but often overlooked and misunderstood genetic disorder.
Beckles, Prof. Janet Jeffrey and Prof. Sylvia Wojtalik will host the workshop for students and faculty on Monday, March 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Humber College North Campus, Community Room.
Jamaican-born Beckles, RN, BScN and clinical instructor, School of Health Sciences, said that “Sickle cell disease (also called sickle cell anemia) is a group of red blood cell disorders one has inherited and is caused by an abnormal form of hemoglobin. This is the part of the blood cell that carries oxygen around the body and keeps your vital organs working. “
Beckles, who noted June 19 is World Sickle Day, added “In sickle cell disease, the abnormal hemoglobin (HbS) is not able to work properly. The red blood cells become stiff and block up the blood vessels in the body, causing pain and damage and they also get destroyed quickly, leading to anemia and other complications.
“Currently, there is no universal cure for sickle cell disease.”
She said recognition of World Sickle Cell Day in Toronto is a result of lobbying by the Sickle Cell Association of Ontario and to get Humber to include sickle cell disease courses in their nursing program.
Beckles said Humber College is the first Canadian educational institution to include sickle cell disease in its curriculum. “This will go far in bringing greater care to a very devastating disease that affects so many of us.”
Wojtalik added, “This is a chance to connect our students with the local community and local organizations and breakdown the walls between academia and practice.” Jeffrey noted it’s a valuable way to enhance practical skills.
Space is limited: RSVP Sylwia.wojtalik@humber.ca.