The stamp, which urges, "Test early for sickle cell," was unveiled by Cincinnati Postmaster Denise Porter at University Hospital's Adult Sickle Cell Center.

Adults and children need to be tested for the disease, experts say.

"Since it affects

adults, it's an unknown population, and it's an underserved population," says Annette Lavender, nurse manager of the Adult Sickle Cell Center.

"Many people feel the disease can be managed, and it can't be. It has to be treated."

Ohio has screened newborns for sickle cell since 1991.

"The issue of early diagnosis is critical. We need to bring those new babies into the treatment as soon as possible, because one of the ways sickle cell is diagnosed is the child often gets sick from an overwhelming infection," Dr. Clinton Joiner says.

Those infections can often be fatal. Diagnosing the infant early means doctors can prevent infections by administering antibiotics.

Many people assume a cure has been found for sickle cell, Joiner says.

"I talk to people everyday and they say, 'Sickle cell? Is that still around?' "

"I'm always excited at sharing our commemorative stamp program with organizations and members of the community," Porter says. "We have covered a broad base of social and health issues.

"... This stamp is very special to me because a member of my family is dealing with this disease."

Porter said her nephew has been diagnosed with sickle cell.

Sickle cell anemia affects one in 12 African-Americans. The disease damages blood cells by changing smooth, round cells into sickle shapes, which makes them hard and sticky. As a result, blood flow is blocked and organs are damaged. The disease can cause intense pain, stroke and death.

The postal service has issued stamps to raise awareness for a number of health issues, says spokeswoman Bonni G. Manies, including breast cancer research, diabetes, prostate cancer, organ and tissue donation, tuberculosis, family violence, drug abuse, blood donation, AIDS, healthy aging and rights for the disabled.

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