WHEREAS,  bleeding disorders, which are distinguished by the inability to form a proper blood clot, are characterized by extended bleeding after injury, surgery, trauma or menstruation and can lead to significant morbidity and can be fatal if not treated effectively; and

WHEREAS,  many individuals with hemophilia became infected with HIV and hepatitis C in the 1980s due to the contamination of the blood supply and blood products; and

WHEREAS,  the federal Department of Health and Human Services designated March 2017 as National Bleeding Disorders Month, a designation that formalizes and expands upon the designation 31 years ago of March 1986 as Hemophilia Awareness Month by President Ronald Reagan; and

WHEREAS,  Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month will generate greater awareness and understanding of not only hemophilia but all inheritable bleeding disorders, including von Willebrand disease, which alone affects an estimated one percent of the U.S. population or more than 3.2 million individuals; and

WHEREAS,  Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month will foster a greater sense of community and shared purpose among individuals with all inheritable bleeding disorders; and

WHEREAS,  Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month will elevate awareness of and engagement in the inheritable bleeding disorders journey to the general public, enabling the prevention of illness, unnecessary procedures and disability; now, therefore, be it