​At the Board of County Commissioners meeting on Sept. 12, 2023, Commissioner Bernard presented a proclamation declaring September 2023 as National Sickle Cell Awareness Month in Palm Beach County. The chronic genetic blood disorder known as sickle cell disease is a serious condition with no known cure. Individuals with sickle cell disease may face a lifetime of battling symptoms such as severe pain, fatigue and frequent infections. The disease mainly affects African Americans, but it also appears in other ethnic populations, including persons of Greek, Sicilian, Turkish, Italian, Hispanic and East Indian ancestry. Raising awareness of sickle cell disease is essential for fostering better treatments, providing education and improving outcomes for individuals living with this condition.