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ADVOCACY PROFILE
Day on the Hill in Tennessee
Deema Tarazi, staff writer
I n March, HFA attended the Tennessee Hemophilia and to quality healthcare. Participants also discussed the history of
Bleeding Disorders Foundation “Day on the Hill.” Twenty- hemophilia, how therapies have changed in the last 10 years,
six community members attended the event, which included and how vital treatment is in protecting an individual with
advocacy training and multiple meetings with legislators and hemophilia from life- or joint-threatening bleeding.
their staff to discuss the importance of access to care for the
bleeding disorders community. Access to appropriate therapies allows the community to lead
healthy, productive lives. Additionally, a community member
The day started with an early morning training on how to who has a personal relationship with his senator spoke one-
talk with legislators and an overview of the talking points. In on-one with the senator about the challenges the community
addition to educating legislators about bleeding disorders, would face with added working requirements to Medicaid.
community members advocated about the impact of adding Legislators were engaged with participants during the
work requirements to TennCare, the Tennessee Medicaid meetings and responded positively to the group’s messages.
program, for people with bleeding disorders and maintaining
the State Hemophilia Program budget, an important safety-net HFA was thrilled to be a part of THBDF’s “Day on the Hill.”
program for many families in Tennessee. It was a great day for the Tennessee bleeding disorders
community’s voice to be heard in Nashville. HFA encourages
Community members shared their personal stories about living advocates to continue building relationships with their legisla-
with a bleeding disorder and the importance of having access tors to ensure the community has a constant presence at the
Capitol. Thanks to THBDF for allowing HFA to join you —
we look forward to attending future events! S
Access to appropriate therapies allows the
community to lead healthy, productive lives.
18 Dateline Federation | Summer 2018
