About the Delaware Valley Chapter
The National Hemophilia Foundation was founded
in 1948 as an organization that would help meet the needs
of people with hemophilia and their loved ones.
The Delaware Valley Chapter was created in 1950
and has served as a model for many other chapters that followed.
Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for everyone
affected by hemophilia and related bleeding disorders. We
serve the 1000 patients that reside in central Pennsylvania
and the five county metropolitan area surrounding Philadelphia
and Delaware. The DVC fulfills its goals by raising funds
for:
Research
The DVC provides financial support for physicians involved
in long term research to develop a cure for hemophilia and
other blood related disorders.
Patient Services
Money is allocated to assist patients in various ways.
Financial aid is available for scholarships, medical equipment,
transportation needs and summer camp for youth with hemophilia.
Patient Support
Families benefit from a network of care-related services
such as parent support groups and informational meetings.
Education and Information
A quarterly newsletter, distributed through the treatment
centers, notifies members of events, services, and news
from the medical community. The chapter also seeks to insure
that the surrounding community and the media receive accurate
information about hemophilia.
Advocacy
Dialogue is maintained with government leaders, and chapter
members are kept abreast of current legislation relating
to hemophilia.
Special Events
Annual projects, such as the Luncheon/Fashion Show, The
Golf Classic, The Big Spin, Oktoberfest, and The Family
Dinner help raise money, bring family and friends together,
and encourage community relations.
The DVC's efforts led to the establishment, in 1972, of
the Pennsylvania State Hemophilia Program. This program
created funding for eight hemophilia treatment centers across
the state along with funds to cover the costs of blood products
and the development of a team approach to hemophilia care.
This new concept of comprehensive care represents a most
complete model of medical service.
This comprehensive approach, practiced by the hemophilia
treatment centers, strives to meet all the medical and social
needs of those with hemophilia and their families.
The centers are staffed by hematologists and nurses specializing
in the treatment of hemophilia. They are assisted by orthopedists,
doctors of rehabilitation medicine, dentists and physical
therapists.
In addition, genetic counseling is offered to help families
assess and deal with the risk of hemophilia transmission.
Rounding out the treatment team are social workers, psychologists
and psychiatrists who help patients and families manage
the stress of the disease and assist with career and financial
planning. return
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