AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta University Center for Blood Disorders hosted a community fair for Sickle Cell Awareness Month on Saturday.

The event also helped connect people to resources related to sickle cell care and research, mental health services, and provided general health screenings.

Two volunteers from Augusta University spoke about the need for awareness.

“Sickle cell disease affects approximately 110,000 people in the United States and approximately 3 million worldwide. There, although the number doesn’t seem that high, Georgia is one of the states with the largest sickle cell population. The effects of sickle cell are devastating. So it may not be as widespread, but those with severe sickle cell disease are affected throughout their lives,” the volunteers said.

The center also offers free testing for the sickle cell gene.

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