Recognizing April 17, 2019, as "World Hemophilia Day" in Philadelphia

WHEREAS, April 17, 2019, marks the 29th observance of World Hemophilia Day; and

WHEREAS, Hemophilia is a genetic bleeding disorder that impairs clotting, causing people to bleed longer. Without effective blood clotting, injuries can be slower to heal, more painful, and more likely to result in permanent disability or death; and

WHEREAS, Hemophilia is a treatable but not curable, requiring lifelong management via infusions of a protein involved in blood clotting; and

WHEREAS, An estimated 400,000 people worldwide and 20,000 people in the United States are living with hemophilia; and

WHEREAS, Other bleeding disorders are becoming increasingly understood and diagnosed, including Von Willebrand Disease, which could impact anywhere from 1-2% of the national population; and

WHEREAS, More than 2,000 people in this Commonwealth are living with hemophilia or Von Willebrand Disease; and

WHEREAS, Hemophilia is found in all populations; and

WHEREAS, People living with hemophilia, and those caring for and serving them, are strongly united in advocating for access to treatment and care; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphians and Pennsylvanians in 40 other counties who are living with hemophilia have a champion in the Eastern Pennsylvania Hemophilia Foundation, which

supports medical research and provides financial assistance, education, family programming, and advocacy at the state and federal level; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes April 17, 2019, as "World Hemophilia Day" in Philadelphia.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Curt Krouse, Executive Director of the Eastern Pennsylvania Hemophilia Foundation, as evidence of the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.

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