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New! New! Sickle Cell Treatment Act passed by the Congress and signed into law Friday October 22, 2004!!!!
STATEMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE DANNY K. DAVIS
In Support of the Sickle Cell Treatment Act of 2003
I want to commend my friends, and former colleagues Senators Jim Talent and Chuck Schumer for their vision and steadfast commitment to eradicate Sickle Cell Disease. I also want to thank my friend from North Carolina Richard Burr who joined with me in being the lead sponsor of H.R. 1736, the Sickle Cell Treatment Act of 2003 in the House.
This legislation will assist the more than 2.5 million Americans, mostly African Americans who inherited this blood disorder. In my State of Illinois more than 3,000 African Americans live with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) everyday. Many adults with SCD have severe physical problems, such as acute lung complications that can result in death. The average life span for an adult with SCD is the mid-40s.
What our legislation does is try to improve the quality of life for those living with SCD and eventually find a cure. Our bill establishes a Sickle Cell Disease Research Headquarters operated by the Department of Health and Human Services. This coordinating center would oversee SCD funding, and the research conducted at hospitals, universities and community based organizations.
I am most proud of the fact that this legislation authorizes an annual $10 million grant program for five years for the creation of 40 treatment centers that will provide medical treatment, education and other services for Sickle Cell patients.
This legislation is about improving patient care and putting patients first. As our technology increases, we must summon the courage and desire to eradicate diseases like Sickle Cell. In this country is the genius and capacity to find a cure for Sickle Cell Disease. This legislation assists us along that path.
I applaud organizations like the National Medical Association, the National Association of Community Health Centers, the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America and countless others who support this legislation. I also want to thank the Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Rep. Cummings, and the Chair of the CBC Health Braintrust Rep. Donna Christensen for their support. I look forward to working with Rep. Burr, the leadership of the House and my colleagues to pass this important legislation.
