Newsletter of the Bleeding Disorders Association of NENY, Inc.
Vol. 12 No. 2 - Winter/Spring 2009

The complete Newsletter is also available as a portable document format (PDF) file.

The opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the authors alone and do not represent the opinion, policies or position of BDANENY, the Board of Directors or editorial staff. This material is provided for your general information only.

My Dear Friends:

We are living in a terribly wondrous time. There have been many changes in the state, in the nation, and the world throughout this past year. We, as a community, must embrace and understand how these changes affect our lives.

The economy is a large factor in these changes. Our ability to maintain employment to secure our homes, our possessions and our insurance coverage is paramount to the well being of our families and community. We must be proactive in this endeavor. Ask yourself the following questions:

• What if you lost your job tomorrow?
• Would you receive the medical care you need to stay healthy?
• Would your child be deprived the medication that would enable him to maintain a quality of life?
• Would you have to decide between food, mortgage, or medicine?

Here are a few suggestions that may help you prepare for those things we have no control over. For yourself, be aware of your work situation. Are there impending cutbacks in staff? What is my seniority? What are my options within the company? Do I have an updated resume? Are there re-training programs? Is there a buy out and can I keep my insurance? Enroll in a pharmaceutical assistance program. Our chapter can help with this information. Talk to the Hemophilia Treatment Center social worker to find out what assistance is available for you and your family. Talk to your creditors if an impending situation may cause a default in your payments.

We, as individuals must advocate for ourselves. No government intersession, no organization or group will take care of our needs. We must take possession of our situations and prepare as best we can. Our community will be united, but the ultimate responsibility for our well-being is our own.

To paraphrase one of our great leaders, Ask not what our country can do for you, but what we must do for our families and ourselves.

In conclusion, be prepared, be proactive and be an advocate. We are here to help you help yourself.

Stay Well,

Dave Huskie
President
Bleeding Disorders Association of Northeastern New York Inc.