Page 2 - HFA_Dateline_2020_Q4_Winter

EXECUTIVE CORNER

Dear Friends,

As we begin a new year, it is important to take a moment to reflect on 2020. Our staff understands how hard the past
year has been. Personally, we’ve lost family and friends to the virus and experienced the angst of exposure. We’ve
changed our routines; our children are learning in our dining rooms instead of a classroom, and we’re sharing our
workspaces with spouses. We’ve worked hard to slow
the spread of the virus by protecting ourselves and our
loved ones.

Organizationally, we closed our office in D.C. while
everyone worked from home and halted travel. We
moved Symposium to a virtual event, responded
quickly to cultural and societal changes, and maintained
all of our programs and services despite the challenges.
We strengthened our advocacy efforts throughout
the year as we worked toward product safety and
access to quality, affordable care and coverage. We
started a diversity and inclusion working group that
encompasses all areas of the organization and worked
hard to help individuals and families in the bleeding
disorders community who are dealing with job loss and
stress due to the virus. Our Helping Hands COVID-19
Relief Fund has approved more than 540 applications
for individuals in desperate need with housing,
utilities and transportation payments, disbursing more than $330,000 into our community. Despite the hardships

and challenges of 2020, our commitment to our mission to assist, educate and advocate for the
bleeding disorders community was stronger than ever.

As we look ahead to 2021, after such a tough year, we want to reflect on what has
makes HFA special. Our vision is to focus the organization by embracing our roots,
increase the “family” feel of HFA, build trust and solicit constructive feedback
from the community on how we can better serve your needs. As we strategically
plan our future, we hope to smartly grow while never forgetting our history —
what a privilege it is to serve so many resilient and wonderful people in the
bleeding disorders community.

In closing, we hope you enjoy this final edition of Dateline for 2020. We also
hope 2021 brings you much joy, gratefulness and happiness. Please remember
to stay connected because we are always stronger together!

Dr. Sharon Myers, CFRE

President & CEO

2 DATELINE FEDERATION < www.hemophiliafed.org