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Times of Transition

Spring is the season known for transition. Whether you are graduating or beginning a new job, many people are setting new goals and reaching new milestones. This, too, is the goal for each person with hemophilia. People are striving to move throughout each stage of life with minimal stress. However, this can become difficult when you are unaware of the stages of transition and transitional guidelines in hemophilia. It is also difficult when there are unrealistic expectations surrounding transition.

Let’s begin by defining transition and identifying several transitional stages. Transition is known as the process or a period of changing from one state to another. Transition begins as soon as you are diagnosed and lasts throughout your entire life. In the world of hemophilia, many people have the following forms of transition:

1. Transferring from a pediatric hemophilia treatment center (HTC) to an adult HTC
2. Moving to college and having to educate staff and new friends about your diagnosis
3. Obtaining new insurance and having to learn about your new coverage
4. “Aging out” of Medicaid and obtaining new coverage via an employer or the Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Transitioning to a new stage can trigger anxiety but know that you have help. The staff at the HTC and at Hemophilia of Georgia (HoG) are willing to prepare you for the changes to come.

To learn more about transition, contact your Hemophilia Treatment Center team. You can also discuss issues with your assigned Hemophilia of Georgia Social Worker by calling 770-518-8272. Finally, you can review information about the transition at:

• NHF’s Transition Guidelines
• Steps for Living