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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Lawrence Curry |
  
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Rally at the Capitol in support of Curry's hemophilia treatment bill
Legislation would set standards of care for hemophilia patients
HARRISBURG, May 14 – Dozens of people with hemophilia, their families and caregivers rallied at the state Capitol Tuesday in support of a bill proposed by state Rep. Lawrence Curry, D-Montgomery/Phila., that would set a standard of care for people with hemophilia.
"We know our cause is just," Curry told the crowd. "You heard what this bill, and the companion bill in the Senate, would accomplish – quality health treatment accessible to all. We will not give up until justice is achieved. We move toward our goal with deliberation and determination."
Curry's legislation (H.B. 1105) would preserve access to the following services essential to the well-being of people with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders:
- Medical services provided by the eight state-recognized hemophilia programs.
- The clinical coagulation laboratories associated with the eight state-recognized programs.
- All blood-clotting products approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
- Full-service home care pharmacies and home support services.
- Mandatory medical screenings for bleeding disorders for women prior to undergoing certain surgical procedures.
To bring attention to the importance of providing quality care to hemophilia patients, Curry introduced a House resolution designating May 2008 as Hemophilia Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.
Curry noted that more than 20,000 people live with hemophilia, including approximately 1,700 in Pennsylvania. While the disorder can be managed, there is no cure for hemophilia and patients are required to pursue lifelong treatment.
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