The Bleeding Disorders Foundation of North Carolina Announces March is National Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month
March is Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month. This month is to raise awareness about bleeding disorders, including hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, platelet disorders, and other ultra-rare factor deficiencies. While rare, in combination over 80,000 individuals in North Carolina are estimated to be affected by a bleeding disorder, but many are undiagnosed and go without adequate treatment.
Hemophilia and other bleeding disorders, including von Willebrand disease, prevent the formation of a proper blood clot, resulting in extended bleeding after injury, surgery, or menstruation. This can lead to significant morbidity and can be fatal if not treated effectively. In the United States, approximately one percent of the population, more than 3.2 million individuals, are impacted by these inherited bleeding disorders. March 1986 was designated Hemophilia Awareness Month by President Reagan. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services designated March 2016 as National Bleeding Disorders Month.
The Bleeding Disorders Foundation of North Carolina (BDFNC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of persons affected by bleeding disorders through advocacy, education, promotion of research, and delivery of supportive programs and services. BDFNC provides Medic Alert IDs, transportation to medical appointments, and emergency financial assistance to North Carolina individuals and families impacted by bleeding disorders. BDFNC’s outreach in North Carolina to minimize obstacles for community members around the state who may feel isolated by geography, language, or other barriers, include growing partnerships with North Carolina Hematology Centers; meeting with community leaders around the state; a mentoring program so members can help each other; and various member retreats and programs to provide connections and vital information. BDFNC’s advocacy to raise awareness and promote issues related to bleeding disorders among medical providers, legislators, and the general public include a Women’s Advocacy Coalition; participating in Legislative Day in Raleigh, NC and Washington Days in Washington, DC; collaborating with Hemophilia of South Carolina for World Hemophilia Day; and providing information and workshops at nursing conferences.
For more information, visit our website: www.bleedingdisorders.com, contact Charlene Cowell at [email protected] or call 919-319-0014.