The Nursing Working Group, a subgroup of the National Hemophilia Foundation’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Council (MASAC), along with a special nursing task force of the North American Camping Conference of Hemophilia Organizations (NACCHO), have developed new guidelines for health centers at camps that accommodate people with bleeding disorders.

The new “Health Center Standards for Camps Serving Persons with Bleeding Disorders” were adapted from the American Camp Association’s (ACA) health center guidelines. The standards are divided into four health and safety categories: site/facility; policies and documentation; programs and education; and staffing. The ACA accredits more than 2,400 camps in the United States, using approximately 300 health, safety and quality standards.

The ACA guidelines, used by camps around the country, are general in nature. To adapt them to the unique needs of the bleeding disorders community, a small group of healthcare professionals began the process of revising them at the 2005 NACCHO meeting. The guidelines were endorsed by MASAC in April 2006. Funding was provided by a grant from Wyeth.

To read the guidelines, go to New Camp Health Center Guidelines.