Familia
Familia
Hispanic & Latino Communities
Sickle Cell Trait Is a Family Conversation
Many people believe sickle cell trait only affects people of African descent. The truth is that sickle cell trait is found in many populations around the world, including Hispanic and Latino families.
Sickle cell trait is not defined by the color of your skin. It is passed through family bloodlines from one generation to the next. Many people carry the trait without ever knowing it because they are healthy and have no symptoms.
Knowing your sickle cell trait status is one of the simplest ways to protect your family, make informed health decisions, and prepare future generations.
Why This Matters to Hispanic & Latino Families
Every family has a story.
Many Hispanic and Latino families have roots in Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Spain, Portugal, and throughout the Caribbean.
Because families have migrated and shared ancestry across continents for centuries, inherited traits such as sickle cell trait can be passed silently from generation to generation.
This is not about race.
This is about your family’s genetic history.
Do You Know Your Trait Status?
Ask yourself:
- Have I ever been tested for sickle cell trait?
- Does my spouse or partner know their trait status?
- Do my children know theirs?
- Has anyone in our family ever discussed inherited blood conditions?
Most people with sickle cell trait live normal, healthy lives and never realize they carry the gene until testing is performed.
Knowing your status gives your family knowledge—not fear.
Planning for Future Generations
If both parents carry sickle cell trait, each pregnancy has:
- 25% chance of a child with sickle cell disease
- 50% chance of a child with sickle cell trait
- 25% chance of a child without either trait or disease
Learning your status before marriage, pregnancy, military service, or competitive athletics allows families to make informed decisions together.
Knowledge empowers families.
Faith and Stewardship
Scripture teaches us to be wise stewards of the lives God has entrusted to us.
Learning about your family’s health history is not a lack of faith.
It is an act of wisdom, preparation, and love.
We believe faith and knowledge work together to strengthen families and communities.
Athletes, Military, and First Responders
Many young Hispanic men and women proudly serve their communities through:
- Soccer
- Baseball
- Football
- Basketball
- Track & Field
- CrossFit
- Military Service
- Police Academies
- Fire Academies
- Emergency Medical Services
Most people with sickle cell trait participate safely in these activities.
However, under rare conditions involving intense exertion, heat, dehydration, or altitude, additional precautions may be needed.
Education saves lives.
Common Myths
Myth:
Only Black people have sickle cell trait.
Truth:
Sickle cell trait is found among people from many ethnic and cultural backgrounds, including Hispanic and Latino communities.
Myth:
I’m healthy, so I don’t need to know.
Truth:
Most people with sickle cell trait feel completely healthy and never know they carry the gene.
Myth:
No one in my family has it.
Truth:
The trait can be silently passed through generations without anyone realizing it.
Our Mission
Our mission is to increase awareness, provide education, encourage testing, and help prevent avoidable tragedies through knowledge, preparation, and community partnerships.
We proudly partner with churches, schools, athletic programs, military organizations, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and families throughout Hispanic and Latino communities.
Together, we can build stronger families through awareness, education, and prevention.
Take the Next Step
Ask your doctor about sickle cell trait testing.
Talk with your family.
Share this information with your church, school, or community organization.
If you would like Farron Dozier and WHATZ DA COUNT on Sickle Cell Trait Prevention to speak at your church, school, military installation, athletic organization, or community event, contact us today.
Know Your Trait. Protect Your Family. Save Lives.
Latin Community
Awareness
Hispanics sickle cell trait
Public Health:
About 1 in 100 Hispanics have SCT
the United States, it is estimated that SCT occurs in approximately 73 out of every 1,000 births in Blacks and about 7 out of every 1,000 births in
Hispanics
sickle cell disease (SCD) and sickle cell trait are present in Latin American and Latino communities in the United States.
sickle cell disease occurs in about 1 in every 16,300 Hispanic births, second-most among all ethnic groups. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
In the United States, an estimated 3–9% of people with SCD are Hispanic or Latino, making Latinx the second largest population affected by SCD in the country.
Hispanic Heritage Month
¿Recuerdas haber estudiado la anemia de células falciformes en la clase de biología?
El rasgo falciforme es un problema de salud pública.
Militares, atletas, cadetes de policía y más siguen experimentando complicaciones de salud debido al esfuerzo, y algunos mueren por paro cardíaco.
Más información sobre los factores de riesgo en
WDConSCT.org
Contáctanos si deseas que presentemos en tu iglesia, escuela o evento comunitario.