On the recordMarch 21, 2016
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize March 2016 as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month. This month marks the 30th anniversary of President Reagan's declaration of March 1986 as Hemophilia Awareness Month. One of the most troubling bleeding disorders is hemophilia. Hemophilia affects roughly 20,000 people in the U.S. and 1 in 5,000 newborns. Treating the disorder is complicated, as well as expensive, as there is no known cure, and treatment may cost $250,000 a year. Another bleeding disorder is Von Willebrand disease, or VWD, which results in bruising, nosebleeds, and excessive bleeding following surgical procedures. VWD occurs equally in men and women and is estimated to affect more than 3 million Americans. Through this greater awareness of bleeding disorders, we can work toward earlier diagnoses and the prevention of complications, unnecessary procedures, and disabilities. ____________________
