Bleeding Disorders Association of South Carolina

Family Educational Camp: This three-day weekend event was available to individuals and families free of charge with direct and immediate family members who either have a bleeding disorder, are carriers of a bleeding disorder or have an immediate family member affected. It was located in the low country to provide educational and supportive services to our community who reside in the low country and to provide upstate and mid-state participants a coastal experience. Education, supportive services, and family connections with community members was an optimum outcome of this weekend event. This year, we support a health equity summit within the event to address health inequities within the South Carolina Bleeding Disorders Community. Attendees included 42 families, approximately 180 participants, speakers and guests. We provided an educational and networking component specifically designed for families with children ages 0-6, 7-12, and our teens 13-18. We also provided simultaneously an adult educational track for our childless adults. Exhibiting of treatment therapies and services was available throughout the event. We provided 8 sessions throughout the weekend with national educators on varies bleeding disorders issues addressing their needs to include; insurance education, school and healthcare self-advocacy, treatment, research, local and national healthcare public policies updates and other related educational and health equity needs. This event is free of charge to all participants.

BDASC Advocacy/Legislative Days in Columbia This event was attended by approximately 60 individuals; which included our members affected by bleeding disorders, healthcare providers who assist our community members with services and treatment, local and national organization with interest in assuring access to quality care and treatment, the states Department of Health and Environmental Control, Children with Special Health Care Needs, and our Industry partners. The Chapter provides informational support to community members in regards to advocacy awareness and training, education on health care access initiatives the chapter is working on, and addresses any concerns, while educating our elected officials on bleeding disorders. We provided awareness support and materials to government and state agencies to help promote a greater understanding of the challenges faced by people with bleeding disorders.

BDASC Annual State Meeting and Educational Conference Day: This year we provide our members our annual state-wide meeting. We reported on the years financials and accomplishments. Board of Directors were recognized, and awards were given to our community members for yearly accomplishments. In addition, the HELLO Conference, Helping Embrace Life Learning Opportunities provided presentations and educational programs to support all areas of living well with bleeding disorders so those affected can reach their highest potentials without boundaries. This was a two-day event open to all members of the bleeding disorders community in South Carolina, healthcare providers, and associations. The attendance was over 225, locally and nationally. Our Friday evening dinner opening event included BDASCs mission moments, awards, and a key note presentation. Educational presentations and breakouts were available on Saturday. Childcare is provided. A special program was provided also for the teens. The event concluded after dinner on Saturday. On Saturday, exhibiting was provided for participants to interface one-to-one with participating home care and manufacturing companies and their representatives to explore new treatment therapies and services.