VHF is transitioning back to in-person events! Scroll down to learn more and RSVP or go here to visit our calendar page. We look forward to seeing you in 2022!
MARCH IS BLEEDING DISORDERS AWARENESS MONTH!
In 1986, President Reagan designated March “National Hemophilia Month” and in 2016, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) officially declared March as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month! Here in Virginia, with the passage of resolution HJ 16 in the 2018 General Assembly session Virginia officially designated March as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month starting in 2019.

The intent of these national and state efforts are to increase public awareness of the impact that bleeding disorders has on affected individuals and families. Each March we continue to build on these efforts to foster a stronger sense of unity among individuals in our community and to raise awareness to the public.

This year, with your help our goal again is to raise at least $2,000 to fund our 2022 VHF Scholarship Program. $2,000 will fully fund one of our Lyman Fisher college scholarships.

Ways to Support VHF During Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month:

  • Make a donation to VHF during Bleeding Disorder Awareness Month, anytime from March 1 – March 31 any amount will be greatly appreciated!

  • Make a commitment to make a monthly gift to be part of our Hope Society. Your monthly gift will make a difference – no matter the amount.

  • Spread awareness by sharing our Facebook posts during March and/or starting your own Facebook Fundraiser to benefit VHF and our community of those living with inherited bleeding disorders!

To learn more about ways to give during March or anytime, contact Kelly Waters at info@vahemophilia.org or 804-740-8643.
LYMAN FISHER SCHOLARSHIP
The VHF Lyman Fisher Scholarship was established to honor Dr. Lyman Fisher, a teacher, researcher, and clinician in hemostasis. For many years, he directed the adult hemophilia program for Virginia.

Application Deadline: 11:59 pm, Friday, April 30, 2021
A HANDI REMINDER – APPLY FOR 2022 SCHOLARSHIPS NOW!
It’s almost that time of year! Each year, HANDI - NHF’s Information Resource Center compiles an annual list of post-secondary educational scholarships that are available to students living with inheritable bleeding disorders and their family members. These scholarship offerings are listed on National Hemophilia Foundation's (NHF’s) website by deadline date. Please note that several applications have fast-approaching deadlines so access the list today and apply!

We also want to remind you that each of these scholarships have their own individual criteria and sponsors. Therefore, prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to check with the designated contact for each respective program for more details on eligibility and procedures for applying.

The HANDI Team hopes that you find this resource helpful.

Best of luck in your search and future educational endeavors!

Please feel free to contact HANDI for additional information and referrals.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT: HOPE SOCIETY
The VHF Hope Society is a special group of people who have made a commitment to donate monthly. Their generosity supports the ongoing operations and the future of VHF in order to help give hope to those living with inherited bleeding disorders. This month in honor of bleeding disorders awareness month we wanted to highlight the Hope Society donors and we ask that you consider joining them. Your monthly gift will make a difference - no matter the amount! Your support this month helps make VHF and the community stronger.

Thank you to our Hope Society Donors: Therese Ihrig, Jeff and Christine Krecek, Donald and Beth Smith, Steve and Sarahbeth Spasojevich, Kelly Waters, Sarah
Waniewski, and Barbara Wheatley.
INFORMATION FORMS FOR EMERGENCY HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS
Did you know that VHF created a form that you can fill out and print to share with emergency healthcare providers? These resources were created with the help of HTC staff, VHF board members, and patients.
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NHF'S WASHINGTON DAYS WRAP-UP
On March 2, 2022, hundreds of volunteers and advocates from across the country met with legislators virtually to discuss the important policies affecting our community during NHF’s annual Washington Days. Virginia had a strong presence with nine meetings throughout the course of the day.

This yearly event is an opportunity for individuals living with an inheritable bleeding disorder to share their personal story and advocate for support of federal hemophilia programs through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
And this year was more important than ever.

Recently, insurers have created health plan strategies that are creating barriers to access for individuals with rare or chronic disorders. These copay accumulator adjuster programs are harmful toward an individual’s deductible or out-of-pocket maximum, putting additional and unnecessary costs on individuals and families like yours. You can help others learn more about the harmful consequences of copay accumulator programs by sharing this infographic.
NHF BLEEDING DISORDERS CONFERENCE
NHF’s Bleeding Disorders Conference in Houston, TX from August 25-27, 2022 enables communities to come together, network, learn and exchange information on a wide variety of topics including the basics of hemophilia & von Willebrand disease, rare bleeding disorders, research breakthroughs and new drug therapies.

NHF is offering Connections for Learning, Inhibitor, Inhibidores en Español, and Ultra-Rare Bleeding Disorder Travel Grants for those who want to attend. Applications will be open through March 6th.

VHF is also pleased to offer a travel grant to attend the NHF BDC. Go here to learn more or contact VHF at 804-740-8643 or info@vahemophilia.org if you have any questions. VHF’s Deadline for the National Meeting Travel Grant is 11:59 pm (EST), Tuesday, March 15, 2022
New Family Education and Support – Ages and Stages: Early Childhood
Date/Time: Sunday, March 13, 2022 at 4:00 pm

Location: Zoom

Audience: This program is designed to support families of infants and young children with hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders ages 0-10 with community connection and education.

Topic: Ages and Stages: Early Childhood Ages 0-10

This virtual session will help parents better understand what they can expect behaviorally and emotionally throughout the early years of childhood. Child development, temperament, common mood and behavior problems and parenting strategies will be discussed. The session will include some bleeding disorder specific information, for example, when a child can start to self-infuse from a behavioral standpoint not a medical standpoint, how (hemophilia) treatments progress with age, and the prevalence of anxiety and other behavioral challenges among children with bleeding disorders.

Presenter: Juliana S. Bloom, Ph.D., Pediatric Neuropsychologist at The Levin Center
Community Event and Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month Celebration at Topgolf
Date/Time: Sunday, March 27, 2022 at 10:30 am

Location: Topgolf Richmond

Get active with your bleeding disorders community and celebrate Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month! Join VHF for education, celebration, community building and opportunities to enhance health and fitness at Topgolf. We look forward to exploring how you can take charge of your bleeding disorder and life, while having fun learning about the game of golf.

With special guest pro golfer Perry Parker!