SICKLE CELL DISEASE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA NAMES KEYNOTE LECTURERS FOR UPCOMING ANNUAL CONVENTION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) August 3, 2010 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fallston Group - Public Relations
Gina Brelesky
(845) 323-9950 (direct)
gina@fallstongroup.com

BALTIMORE, MD (August 4, 2010) – The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA) today announced its keynote presenters for the upcoming 38th Annual Convention being held from September 21st through 24th at the Gaylord National Hotel & Conference Center in Washington, D.C. The theme for this year’s convention is “Giving New Voice to Sickle Cell ~ 100 Years of Recognition.” The SCDAA Annual Convention is a time when health professionals and individuals with sickle cell disease and related conditions come together to learn the latest developments in research, treatment, and services related to the disease.

This year’s event is particularly meaningful because, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, it was 100 years ago (November 1910), that the Archives of Internal Medicine published a report by Dr. James B. Herrick titled 'Peculiar Elongated and Sickle-shaped Red Blood Corpuscles in a Case of Severe Anemia'. In this groundbreaking study, Dr. Herrick described the experience of a young dental student from Grenada attending the Chicago College of Dental Surgery. Soon after arriving to dental school, the student sought medical attention and the abnormal shaped red blood cells in the student were first noted. These cells, along with anemia and symptoms typical of the disease soon became known as 'sickle cell anemia'. This year marks the 100th anniversary of this important case report. (http://www.cdc.gov/features/sicklecell/)

This year’s keynote lecturers include:

1. Kofi A. Anie, PhD – Dr. Anie is currently affiliated with the Haematology and Sickle Cell Centre at the Central Middlesex Hospital in London, England and will deliver the Dr. Walter Clement Noel Lecture on Friday, September 24th. This lecture’s namesake (Dr. Walter Clement Noel) is recognized as the first sickle cell patient who was evaluated by Dr. James Herrick in 1910. It is this medical case that marks the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the disease.

2. Griffin Rodgers, M.D., M.A.C.P. - Dr. Rodgers is currently Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) in Washington, D.C. and will deliver the Clarice D. Reid, M.D. Lecture on Friday, September 24th. This lecture’s namesake (Dr. Clarice D. Reid) led the National Sickle Cell Disease Program for many years and all of the research that currently benefits patients today. Her career at the National Institute of Health was well decorated as she received many awards, to include the Presidential Meritorious Executive Rank Award. Dr. Reid was also honored as one of “America’s Leading Black Doctors” by Black Enterprise Magazine. Dr. Reid remains very active in professional and civic activities today.

3. J.J. Strouse, M.D., PhD – Dr. Strouse is currently the Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland and will deliver the Charles F. Whitten Lecture on Thursday, September 23rd. This Lecture’s namesake (Dr. Charles F. Whitten) was the Co-founder and President Emeritus of SCDAA and distinguished professor and Associate Dean Emeritus at the Wayne State University School of Medicine. It was at Wayne State University where Dr. Whitten was Director of the University’s Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center for 19 years. His contributions to sickle cell activities at both the local and national level are both well-documented and groundbreaking. Dr Whitten was dedicated to the cause of sickle cell disease until his death in August of 2008.
Duane N. Bruce, J.D., LL.M, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America said, “We are honored these distinguished health professionals will dedicate their time and lend their career insights to the sickle cell community and its many stakeholders at our Annual Convention during this milestone year. Their collective presence strengthens our knowledge base as we continue to serve the many people that so very much depend on our advocacy. This year promises to be an incredible event.”

Conference Registration

To register or learn more about the 38th Annual Convention being held from September 21st through 24th at the Gaylord National Hotel & Conference Center in Washington, D.C., log onto www.scdaaconvention.com or call the SCDAA toll free at 800-421-8453.

About SCDAA
The mission of SCDAA is to advocate for and enhance its membership's ability to improve the quality of health, life and services for individuals, families and communities affected by sickle cell disease and related conditions, while promoting the search for a cure for all people in the world with sickle cell disease. For more information, visit www.sicklecelldisease.org.