EVENTS

Calendar of Events

Annual Meeting

NHF On The Road

Washington Day
   Follow Up

Congressman Tom Price's HTC Funding Letter

   HTC Funding
   Letter Talking Points

   Support for
   HTC Funding
   Letter

Other


HOME

WASHINGTON DAY 2005

Congressman Tom Price's HTC Funding Letter

View Word Document >>

The Honorable Ralph Regula
Chairman Committee on Appropriations
Subcommittee on Labor, Health and
Human Services, and Education
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

The Honorable David Obey
Ranking Member Committee on Appropriations
Subcommittee on Labor, Health and
Human Services, and Education
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Chairman Regula and Congressman Obey:

I am writing to express my support for the inclusion of $7 million in additional program funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Division of Hereditary Blood Disorders in the Fiscal Year 2006 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill. This increase is needed to support comprehensive care for persons with bleeding and clotting disorders.

It is my understanding that the CDC Hereditary Blood Disorders program serves as the frontline for blood safety surveillance and improved bleeding and clotting disorders treatment and prevention through support of a national network of 140 hemophilia treatment centers (HTCs). Congress created this network in 1974 to ensure access to comprehensive, specialized care for persons with bleeding and clotting disorders. Studies have demonstrated a 40% reduction in mortality and morbidity associated with HTC care. More than 75% of the hemophilia community receive care from a HTC.

The role of HTCs has expanded dramatically over the last three decades, evolving with the needs of the bleeding disorders community to provide coordinated HIV/AIDS and hepatitis care, blood safety surveillance, prevention, and improved disease management. Today, the fastest growing populations for HTCs are women with bleeding disorders and persons with thrombophilia as outreach and education have reached persons with these underdiagnosed disorders.

A dramatic increase in the number served and the demands of providing care for persons with life-long chronic disorders has stretched HTC resources to their limit. Additional funds are required to meet the needs of these populations, maximize prevention and treatment, and further improve blood and blood product surveillance.

I urge you to include $7 million in additional program funding for CDC’s Division of Hereditary Blood Disorders in your Fiscal Year 2006 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill and appreciate your leadership on this important issue.