Social Support Services

"Why do I need a social worker just because I have a bleeding disorder?"

This is a question often asked when HoG social workers meet with clients. The easy answer is, we are problem solvers. Bleeding disorders bring with them a host of questions and problems most people don't have to deal with, and those problems can often disrupt family life causing stress and strain. These are some of the questions HoG Social Workers can help answer:

How do I find my way through medical systems that are difficult to understand, especially when my child moves from the pediatric Hemophilia Treatment Centers to an adult center?
What kind of job can someone with a bleeding disorder have and keep?
What do I do if I need to go back to school to get a better job that will provide insurance?
How can having a bleeding disorder affect my child's education?
What dentist will see someone with hemophilia? What if I don't have insurance that covers dental services?
One of the largest concerns is insurance. Do I have enough? Can I afford it? What happens when my child is too old for my policy? What programs are available to help if I don't have insurance?

In addition to counseling services, community resource planning, and long range planning, the HoG social work staff has the ability to help with specific financial needs.

Emergency Assistance Funds for those who qualify can help with:

Funds to purchase Medic Alert® bracelets
Resources to help with the expense of a health insurance policy
Assistance with some clinic charges not covered by insurance or Medicaid
Help with transportation and/or lodging for clinic visits
Assistance for uninsured clients to gain access to HIV medications
Assistance with other financial emergencies as approved by the social worker

The Social Work staff is also responsible for several other special projects. There are eligibility criteria for each of these programs:

Enrichment Program: Provides funds for extracurricular activities for children
Adult Education Program: Assists parents of children with a bleeding disorder obtain further education to improve the family's financial situations
Dental Program: Assists clients in accessing proper dental treatment

If you are interested in further information about any of these programs, please contact the social work staff through the Hemophilia of Georgia office.