September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month and Carillion Clinic Sickle Cell Collaborative is holding an awareness walk this weekend to honor patients and their caregivers.

June 19 is World Sickle Cell Awareness Day. It's observed each year with the goal to increase understanding of sickle cell disease, and the challenges facing patients, families and caregivers. Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that impacts every aspect of a person’s life. Throughout history, it's long been misunderstood and medical professionals with Carilion say the disease has even come with some pretty unfair stigmas.

You hear it often: There’s a need for blood donors -- but there’s apparently a particular need for the Black community to step up and donate.