Susan Johnson discussed sickle-cell disease with the congregation at Mt. Hebron Church of Christ (Disciples of Christ) on March 27.

Her appearance was part of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Public Health’s sickle cell-awareness program. That program is under the auspices of the division’s Women’s and Children’s Health Branch.

The program offers comprehensive services to individuals affected by the disease and their families, as well as education and genetic counseling for the public.

The program works closely with the governor’s appointed council on sickle-cell syndrome to address the changing needs and issues of the sickle-cell community.

Sickle-cell disease, also called sickle-cell anemia, is a hereditary problem that causes a type of faulty hemoglobin in red blood cells. Hemoglobin carries oxygen in the blood. When the blood cells of people who have sickle-cell disease don’t get enough oxygen, these cells change shape and look like a sickle. Sickle cells can get stuck in blood vessels and keep blood from reaching parts of the body, which causes severe pain.

Johnson’s program included a short film on sickle-cell disease.

Johnson also shared with the audience a short film on Sickle cell.

The program at the church was sponsored by the Beaufort County chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.