Rep. Clites' bill to designate March as Bleeding Disorder Awareness Month passes House

COLUMBUS— Rep. Randi Clites (D-Ravenna) today announced the passage of House Bill (HB) 358, which was amended to include the contents of HB 383, her bill designating March as “Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month.”

“In passing this legislation today, the Ohio House creates increased awareness for bleeding disorders, calls for more research into treatment options, and honors all Ohioans with a bleeding disorder,” said Rep. Clites. “As a mom to a son with a bleeding disorder, I know the significant impact of the high cost of treatment and the large number of bleeding disorders that go undiagnosed.”

Hemophilia affects about 1,200 patients in Ohio, which is in the top three largest state populations in the country. Von Willebrand Disease is estimated to affect one percent of the population, but can take up to 16 years to get a diagnosis. There are approximately 1,500 Von Willebrand Disease patients receiving treatment in Ohio. The incidence of bleeding disorders is dramatically higher in Ohio than most states due to its genetic prevalence in the Amish community.

Some physical symptoms that those with a bleeding disorder face include bleeding in the joints or muscles, brain bleeds, prolonged bleeding from minor cuts, hematomas, excessive bleeding with dental work, easy bruising, and heavy periods. Health care costs of bleeding disorders are significant, with Express Scripts estimating the average annual cost per patient with hemophilia at over $270,000.

Amended HB 358 now heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.

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