National Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month: Supporting Lives with Hemophilia and More

March is National Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, a time to educate the public about bleeding disorders like hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and other clotting factor deficiencies. This awareness month also aims to create a sense of community among those living with these rare conditions and inspire advocacy for equitable access to comprehensive medical care.
Bleeding disorders are conditions in which the blood does not clot properly, leading to excessive bleeding from injuries, surgery, or even spontaneously in the joints or organs.
Three Facts:
1. Hemophilia is a rare but serious bleeding disorder affecting approximately 1 in 5,000 male births in the U.S., while von Willebrand disease affects men and women equally and is more common.
2. Before treatments like clotting factor therapies became available, life expectancy for those with severe hemophilia was very limited. Today, people with bleeding disorders can live full, healthy lives with proper care.
3. Advocacy for insurance coverage and access to treatment remains critical. Many families face challenges obtaining the necessary therapies due to their high costs.
How You Can Help:
1. Participate in awareness campaigns on social media using hashtags like #BleedingDisordersAwarenessMonth.
2. Donate to organizations providing financial aid or improved treatment access for those with these conditions.
3. Organize or attend local events, walks, or workshops to raise awareness and support bleeding disorder research.
Three Resources:
1. National Hemophilia Foundation – Information and advocacy resources for individuals and families.
2. Hemophilia Federation of America – A support network for people living with bleeding disorders.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Educational content on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of complications.