Philanthropy Friday: The Central Ohio Chapter of the National Hemophilia Foundation

The Central Ohio Chapter of National Hemophilia Foundation traces its roots to 1972 when a staff member at Children’s Hospital wanted to provide a support group for the children and parents attending the hospital’s hematology department. Because of the success of these meetings, it formally affiliated with the National Hemophilia Foundation in 1974. The chapter provided a very limited number of programs to the bleeding disorders community, mainly due to the fact that it had no staff, no office, and meager financial resources. That was until Jim Wasserstrom, a local business owner and a hemophiliac, became president in 2008. He quickly transformed the chapter into a fully thriving organization that now has two full-time employees, an office, and a multitude of new programs and events.

The Central Ohio Chapter is currently in the process of merging with their national parent. When that happens, the local non-profit will join 59 other NHF affiliates across the country and become part of the national organization. They will, however, maintain a local board of directors that guides the chapter just as it always has.

How OCNHF helps the Columbus community

In Columbus, OSU Medical Center and Nationwide Children’s Hospital are the two nationally accredited hemophilia and thrombosis treatment centers. Both centers serve a combined total of approximately 700 patients with bleeding disorders. All patients are welcome to become members of CONHF and membership is free to anyone who either has or is connected to someone with a bleeding or clotting disorder.

While the two hemophilia treatment centers do a fantastic job of treating consumer’s medical issues, the chapter fills in the gaps by providing education that will help patients better cope with the day-to-day challenges of dealing with a bleeding disorder and providing a support network for patients to lean on when times get tough. To learn more about the educational programs CONHF offers click here. CONHF also advocates for better laws and policies, as well as funding research for better treatments and a cure. To learn more about their advocacy programs click here.

One of the greatest issues CONHF is tackling for their members is a lifetime cap on medical insurance. Hemophilia is one of the most expensive disorders a person can have. Families can burn through millions of dollars a years on Factor Replacement Therapy, the drug that allows a person with hemophilia’s blood to clot. With caps, insurance can quickly run out and families are forced to find new ways to pay for their care. CONHF strongly believes it should never come to that!

How you can help

There are many ways to donate to CONHF, either through individual gifts, grassroots fundraisers, in-kind gifts and legacy gifts. To learn more about CONHF giving opportunities click here.

If you would like to enjoy the outdoors before the weather turns cold you can participate in the Hemophilia Walk. The Hemophilia Walk is being held in 10 American cities this year, and Columbus is one of the cities. The event takes place Sunday, October 25 on the OSU Campus. This is the first year the walk is in Columbus and the goal is to raise $50,000, and recruit 500 walkers. Anyone can walk and there is no fee to participate. Walkers register online and encourage their friends, family, and co-workers to make a donation on their online fundraising page. With a just a week left before the walk, their greatest need right now is last-minute donations. If CONHF reaches their goal of $50,000, the National Hemophilia Foundation will kick in a $10,000 bonus. To register or make an on-line donation visit the chapter walk site.

If you would like to donate your time or talents there are many ways you can help. At a high level, CONHF needs strategically minded board members. At lower levels, they need people to help with huge mailing or work at fundraising events. They are pretty open to people serving in whatever way appeals to you. Visit the website for a volunteer, committee or board application.

Central Ohio National Hemophilia Foundation uses social media to create awareness. Follow them on Twitter at http://twitter.com/cocofnhf, or become a fan of their Facebook page.

To read a touching behind the scenes story and to see a few more photos visit InKindConnection.com.

Philanthropy Friday is a feature article by Michele Savoldi that will highlight a Columbus area non-profit organization every other week.