Georgia General Assembly Recognizes and Commends Hemophilia of Georgia
Georgia’s 2023 legislative session began in January, and we are pleased to share that the Georgia House and Senate issued respective resolutions to recognize and commend Hemophilia of Georgia! Both resolutions celebrate HoG’s 50th anniversary and recognize staff and volunteers for our work on behalf of individuals with hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders in Georgia, throughout our nation, and around the world.
The House resolution was sponsored by Representatives Sharon Cooper (Marietta), Lee Hawkins (Gainesville), Shelly Hutchinson (Snellville), Deborah Silcox (Sandy Springs), and Carolyn Hugley (Columbus). The Senate resolution was sponsored by Senators Kay Kirkpatrick (Marietta), Ben Watson (Savannah), Chuck Hufstetler (Rome), Gail Davenport (Jonesboro), Nikki Merritt (Grayson).
Here is the resolution text from the Senate, which is also available on the Georgia General Assembly website.
Recognizing and commending Hemophilia of Georgia; and for other purposes. WHEREAS, Hemophilia of Georgia, a Georgia nonprofit based in Sandy Springs, provides services and support to Georgians who have hemophilia, von Willebrand Disease, and other inherited bleeding disorders; and WHEREAS, Hemophilia of Georgia serves as a member of the World Federation of Hemophilia and is dedicated to enhancing the health and wellness of the bleeding disorder community by providing comprehensive health care, education, advocacy, and the support of research; and WHEREAS, Hemophilia of Georgia is one of only two entities to receive six-star status by the National Hemophilia Foundation on top of being recognized as a Chapter of Excellence; and WHEREAS, Hemophilia of Georgia initiated its work in 1973 so those affected by bleeding disorders can live as normally and productively as possible; and WHEREAS, Hemophilia of Georgia employs a number of professionals, including pharmacists, nurses, and social workers, to provide critical services to its clients; and WHEREAS, Hemophilia of Georgia is the only organization of its type in the state offering specialized pharmacy services, outreach nursing services, social support services, clinic and research funding, information, educational services, and activities and programs to enhance care and quality of life for people with bleeding disorders and their families; and WHEREAS, Hemophilia of Georgia operates specialty pharmacies that have received dual accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Incorporated (ACHC) and the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission, Incorporated (URAC), demonstrating a commitment to high-quality standards of care; and WHEREAS, Hemophilia of Georgia provides children with inherited bleeding disorders the ability to live more normal lives, including opportunities to attend summer camp at Camp Wannaklot; and WHEREAS, Hemophilia of Georgia also publishes an award-winning newsletter for clients and their families to keep up-to-date with advances on treatment; produces protocols for the treatment of hemophilia and von Willebrand disease for physicians and other health care providers; offers financial support for hemophilia treatment centers throughout Georgia to ensure that they are fully staffed and equipped; and invests in critical research for inherited bleeding disorders and their associated complications; and WHEREAS, Hemophilia of Georgia's representatives work with the state's Hemophilia Advisory Board, serving as an advisor on the standards of care and treatment for individuals; and WHEREAS, Hemophilia of Georgia has provided more than $17 million in research funding projects in the last decade focused on developing the scientists and infrastructure needed to find a cure; and WHEREAS, Hemophilia of Georgia partners with and provides funding for many entities, including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Emory University, in order to find a cure for hemophilia; and WHEREAS, Hemophilia of Georgia serves as a trusted resource to many health care providers and insurers, providing each with training on bleeding disorders, including appropriate care and treatment, and the organization is recognized nationally and internationally for its work; and WHEREAS, Hemophilia of Georgia celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2023 and thus the honor and distinction of serving the bleeding disorder community for 50 years. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body extend a warm greeting to Hemophilia of Georgia, its staff and volunteers, and the individuals that the organization serves and convey to them this legislative body's heartiest commendation for their work on behalf of those individuals with hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders in this state, throughout our nation, and around the world. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Hemophilia of Georgia.