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The red tie was introduced as the symbol for the bleeding disorders community in 2016, when NHF and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services worked together to designate March as an official U.S. health observance month — Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month. The red tie reflects the fact the blood ties — embodied in the color red and the tie — are what bind the community together.

 

What is the Red Tie Campaign?

NHF’s Red Tie Campaign is an annual campaign that aims to advance the fight against inheritable bleeding disorders by raising funds for our research, education and advocacy initiatives.

Now in its third year, it has grown from a grassroots awareness campaign to a nationwide campaign that runs through Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month and includes our advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. Last year,we successfully raised over $50,000 from individuals, with over 500 people attending our advocacy days in Washington DC.

What is Washington Days?

NHF’s annual Washington Days provides an opportunity for the community to come together, learn about advocacy, and meet with elected officials to discuss key issues impacting people with bleeding disorders. We continually monitor issues on the federal level and update our advocacy priorities as issues arise, such as ensuring funding for bleeding disorders research, ensuring the safety of blood products, and protecting access to quality healthcare.

At last year’s Washington Days, more than 500 volunteer advocates from 47 states met with legislators to discuss maintaining key patient protections such as lifetime caps, coverage for pre-existing conditions, Medicaid expansion, and healthcare reform implementation in the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

How can I participate?

  • Donate to NHF
  • Follow NHF and post your red tie style with the hashtag #RedTieCampaign on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram
  • Encourage your friends and family to get involved: they can donate and share too!
  • Sponsor an event to benefit NHF. If you are interested, please contact James Uyeda for more information.

I am an NHF chapter. Where can I find resources for the Red Tie campaign?

When is Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month?

March is Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month. NHF successfully advocated to the US Department of Health and Human Services to have the designation officially recognized.

The Red Tie Campaign officially begins on March 1st and ends on April 17th, which is World Hemophilia Day.

What are inheritable bleeding disorders?

Bleeding disorders are genetic disorders that affect the ability of a person’s blood to clot properly, which can lead to extended bleeding after injury, surgery, trauma or menstruation.

Hemophilia A and B affect 20,000 people in the US. The primary symptom is uncontrolled, often spontaneous bleeding in different areas of the body. Internal bleeding, which is common around joints, can result in pain and swelling and — if left untreated ­— can cause permanent damage.

von Willebrand disease (VWD) is caused by a deficient or defective blood protein: von Willebrand factor. The most common bleeding disorder, it is  estimated to affect up to 1% of the US population. Symptoms include frequent nosebleeds, easy bruising and excessive bleeding following surgery, heavy or abnormal bleeding during menstrual periods and excessive bleeding after childbirth.

Learn more about inheritable bleeding disorders

Where does my donation go?

Nearly 80 cents of every dollar you donate to NHF goes to research, advocacy, and education programs. NHF is highly rated by reputable charity watchdog agencies for our financial transparency, and was recently named one of Consumer Reports’ top health charities.