The National Hemophilia Foundation’s (NHF) 74th Annual Bleeding Disorders Conference (BDC) will take place August 25-27, 2022. After two years of virtual-only conferences, this year’s event will be in person in Houston, but many sessions will also offer a virtual component.
The three full days of educational sessions, workshops, industry symposia, and networking and social events will total more than 90 hours of programming. Here are some of the sessions you can look forward to (all sessions are listed in Central Time):
Basics of Gene and Innovative Therapies
We continue to see significant research and innovation in the treatment of hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. Understanding all the options—including currently approved treatments, the pros and cons, and the promises and limitations of each type of therapy—will enable community members to have informative conversations with their providers and ultimately make the best decisions on their treatment. This presentation is designed to provide a basic overview of current and future treatment options for hemophilia, making these complex concepts more understandable. (August 25, 2:40-3:40 PM)
Current Treatments for Ultra-Rare Bleeding Disorders
This session will discuss current treatment options for rare factor deficiencies and platelet dysfunctions. It will also provide practical tips on what information will foster an effective discussion with your hematology care provider about your best treatment plan. (August 26, 10:45-11:45 AM)
You Can Impact the Future of the Inherited Bleeding Disorders Community: The National Research Blueprint
NHF has taken the lead on an initiative to develop a National Research Blueprint (NRB), a community-driven journey to shape the future of research together with researchers, the hemophilia treatment center interdisciplinary team, nonprofit organizations, government, industry partners and, most importantly, people directly affected by bleeding disorders. The goal is to establish ways to conduct the most inclusive, coordinated and efficient research, involving patients in all stages. In this session, NHF will provide updates on the NRB initiative and how you can get involved. (August 26, 1:30-2:30 PM)
Candid Conversations: What Do the Docs Think About Future Therapies?
The bleeding disorders community is witnessing a proliferation in the number and types of therapies available to treat hemophilia. This will be a patient-moderated session with three hemophilia treatment center physicians to discuss innovation, safety and the importance of shared decision-making in relation to innovative therapies. (August 26, 1:30-2:30 PM)
Building Your Support System (for Parents and Caregivers)
Navigating life with a bleeding disorder can be scary and confusing. Creating a strong support system is key to helping you thrive. This session will explore various support structures and how they can help—family, friends, hemophilia treatment centers and other healthcare providers, chapters, the bleeding disorders community and national organizations, to name a few. (August 27, 9-10 AM)
Healthy Horizons: Mental Health and Aging
Good mental health is important at any age, but this session is designed for aging adults and their support community. Presenters will explore what it means to have good mental health, and they’ll provide strategies, resources and tools for good mental health at later life stages. (August 27, 10:15-11:15 AM)
To view the entire program and register for the conference, visit events.hemophilia.org.
#NHF2022 Daily
Read the #NHF2022 Daily to see what’s happening at this year’s Bleeding Disorders Conference! Check back each day for the latest issue.