Recap: Hemophilia of Georgia Day at the Capitol

By Michelle Putnam, Associate Director of Research and Advocacy

For many, January 28, 2014 will go down in history as the start of Snow Jam 2014. But, just a day before, on Monday, January 27, the Georgia General Assembly was celebrating Hemophilia of Georgia Day at the Capitol. Clients and staff members were recognized by Representative Matt Dollar and Representative Harry Geisinger, who presented a formal resolution declaring it Hemophilia of Georgia Day to the entire House of Representatives. The two legislators recognized the impact that bleeding disorders have on people and extended a generous welcome to HoG clients, social workers, and nurses. You can read the official Hemophilia of Georgia Day at the Capitol Resolution here.

Hemophilia of Georgia had several clients on hand to celebrate the day with us, as well as many of our social workers and nurses. One volunteer team showed that advocacy has no age barriers. Carter, who came with his mother Tiffany, was our youngest attendee this year, but even at nine years old, he was quite comfortable traversing the marble floors of the Capitol. We can only hope that in a few years he’ll return to the General Assembly as a volunteer page for the House of Representatives or the Senate. This one-day program is a great way for young people to see government in action. Another volunteer, Karen L., came to honor her son who has a bleeding disorder.

After our recognition in the House of Representatives gallery, another volunteer, Chip H. was able to meet personally with Representative Jan Jones. She was affable, welcoming, and willing to listen, which makes for a successful legislative visit. The next time Hemophilia of Georgia needs to educate the House on an issue that affects people with bleeding disorders, Representative Jones will have a personal connection. This is what advocacy is about: educating people, but also putting a human face on an issue. Numbers, economics, and budgets are certainly persuasive when it comes to making laws, but it’s the human story that really propels people to action. Thank you to all who volunteered your time to attend Hemophilia Day at the Capitol this year. We appreciate you!

If you were unable to attend Hemophilia Day in January, you can still visit the Capitol. Legislators will be in session through March. If you would like to tour the capitol and meet your Representative or Senator, simply contact Michelle Putnam to set up a time that is convenient for you and your family. You can reach Michelle at the Hemophilia of Georgia office at 770.518.8272 or by email at mputnam@hog.org.