Background Statement
The Colorado Chapter of the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF Colorado) is a nonprofit organization committed to the educational and psychosocial needs of the Colorado bleeding disorders community. NBDF Colorado (formerly the Colorado Chapter of the National Hemophilia Foundation and Hemophilia Society of Colorado) was founded in 1974 as part of the national hemophilia network to provide resources and services for individuals and families living with bleeding disorders in the state of Colorado. In July 2011, Colorado, along with four other state chapters, merged with the National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF). The chapters work collaboratively with NHF, but are required to raise their own funds. In 2023, NBDF Colorado served more than 1300 individuals and their families each year. On a daily basis, the organization is an invaluable resource to the bleeding disorders community, providing support, education, and information in a variety of forms.
Bleeding disorders are life-threatening, debilitating, and expensive to treat. A child with severe Hemophilia will spend over $200,000 annually to prevent bleeding. Some children and adults build up inhibitors to the treatment and the costs can exceed $1,000,000 per year. Failure to preventatively treat the disorder can result in prolonged painful bleeds that cause permanent and severe damage. Access to affordable and adequate health care is critical to being a self-sufficient, contributing member of society.
The entire family is affected by the bleeding disorder physically, emotionally, and financially. With over 35 years of experience, we provide programs and services to people affected by bleeding disorders so that they can better cope and can become self-advocates for themselves and/or their family. We partner with the University of Colorado Hemophilia Treatment Center, other agencies, and medical professionals to provide programs and services unique to those with bleeding disorders to best meet their needs.