Georgia General Assembly Recognizes and Commends Hemophilia of Georgia

Georgia’s 2022 legislative session began in January, and we are pleased to share that the Georgia House and Senate issued respective resolutions to recognize and commend Hemophilia of Georgia, its staff, and volunteers for our work on behalf of individuals with hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders in Georgia, throughout our nation, and around the world!

The House resolution was sponsored by Representatives Sharon Cooper (Marietta), Sheila Jones (Atlanta), Katie Dempsey (Rome), Houston Gaines (Athens), Mandisha Thomas (South Fulton). The Senate resolution was sponsored by Senators John Albers (Roswell), Mike Dugan (Carrollton), Dean Burke (Bainbridge), and Brandon Beach (Alpharetta). Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Hemophilia of Georgia will not have an exhibit day at the Capitol this year.

Here is the resolution text from the House, which is also available on the Georgia General Assembly website.

Recognizing and commending Hemophilia of Georgia; and for other purposes. WHEREAS, Hemophilia of Georgia, a Georgia nonprofit based in Sandy Springs, provides services and support to Georgians who have hemophilia, von Willebrand Disease, and other inherited bleeding disorders; and WHEREAS, Hemophilia of Georgia is also internationally recognized for its work with individuals who have hemophilia and other bleeding disorders, and it serves as a member of the World Federation of Hemophilia; and WHEREAS, Hemophilia of Georgia initiated its work in Georgia in 1973; and WHEREAS, Hemophilia of Georgia employs a number of professionals to provide services to its clients, including pharmacists, nurses, and social workers; and WHEREAS, Hemophilia of Georgia operates pharmacies that have received accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care Incorporated (ACHC) and the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission Incorporated (URAC), demonstrating a commitment to high-quality standards of care; and WHEREAS, Hemophilia of Georgia is the only organization of its type in the state offering medication, outreach nursing and social work services, clinical and research funding, and educational and support activities to these individuals to enhance their care and quality of life; and WHEREAS, Hemophilia of Georgia, through a part of its outreach efforts, provides children with these inherited bleeding disorders the ability to live more normal lives, including opportunities to attend summer camp at Camp Wannaklot; and WHEREAS, Hemophilia of Georgia also publishes an award-winning newsletter for clients and their families to keep up-to-date with advances on treatment; produces protocols for the treatment of hemophilia and von Willebrand Disease for physicians and other health care providers; offers financial support for hemophilia treatment centers throughout Georgia to ensure that they are fully staffed and equipped; and invests in critical research for these inherited bleeding disorders and their associated complications; and WHEREAS, Hemophilia of Georgia's representatives work with the state's Hemophilia Advisory Board, serving as advisors on the standards of care and treatment for individuals with hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders; and WHEREAS, Hemophilia of Georgia partners with many entities, including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Hemophilia of Georgia Center for Bleeding & Clotting Disorders of Emory, for research to find a cure for hemophilia; and WHEREAS, Hemophilia of Georgia serves as a trusted resource to many health care providers and insurers, providing each with training on bleeding disorders, including appropriate care and treatment, and the organization is recognized nationally and internationally for its work. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body recognize Hemophilia of Georgia as well as its staff, volunteers, and the persons that the organization serves and convey to them the heartiest commendation for their work on behalf of those individuals with hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders in this state, throughout our nation, and around the world. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body encourage all citizens to support Hemophilia of Georgia's efforts to fund initiatives and programs to help families affected by hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Hemophilia of Georgia.