UNION COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Public Health is reminding people that September is National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month.

IDPH says newborn screening, parental education and comprehensive care can reduce this debilitating illness.

Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the U.S., affecting 70,000 to 100,000 and millions more worldwide. The disease primarily affects people of African and Mediterranean ancestry and is also prevalent in parts of Latin America and the Caribbean.

"Since 1989, the Illinois Department of Public Health has diagnosed more than 2,900 newborns with sickle cell disease," said IDPH Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold. "Newborn screening, parental education is critical to saving lives, especially in families that have a genetic history of the disease."

According to IDPH, the disease is estimated to occur in one in 500 African-Americans and about one in 1,000 Latinos.

DONGOLA, IL (KFVS) - The Village of Dongola issued a boil water order for customers on the line running from the Dongola Fire Department north to the end of the line at 6615 US Hwy. 51 (Sam Brown residence).

This also include Brown Lane, Keil Lane, and Renda Rd.

Repairs made to a leaking line required the order.  It is in effect until further notice.

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UNION COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The local Red Cross reports their blood supply remains seriously low and reminds eligible blood donors to make and keep appointments.

On Monday, the American Red Cross said their supplies remain low even after thousands of area supporters responded to the national appeal for blood donations. They say blood products are going out to area hospitals just as quickly as donations are coming in.

According to the Red Cross, the massive heat wave overtaking most of the country is hurting blood collection at a time when the Red Cross has been working to rebuild its inventories.