Regional Update: Hemophilia Alliance of Maine (HAM)
Regional Update: Hemophilia Alliance of Maine (HAM)
Originally published by NEHA via email. Read email here.
Published: Wednesday, June 7, 2023.
NEHA Community,
Since 1957, we’ve had the privilege of representing and serving all six New England states—big states and small states, urban and rural, and everything in between.
In the past several years, and especially during the pandemic, we’ve partnered with the Hemophilia Alliance of Maine (HAM) to co-host programs like Winter Camp, advocate for policy change, and serve and support families who live in Maine.
Recently, to help eliminate redundancy in our community, and to ensure that Maine families are provided the care and sustainable services they need, the HAM Board of Directors voted unanimously to dissolve as a non-profit organization and officially join forces with NEHA, effective June 30, 2023. Read their announcement here.
We are proud to continue HAM’s strong mission and will continue to use their office in Brewer to oversee our efforts in Northern New England. WinterFest, the Hike4HAM, and smaller programs will continue this year, and details about these will be shared soon.
To ensure we best meet the needs of patients and families in Northern New England, we are thrilled to announce that HAM’s Executive Director, Tracey Gideon, will be joining the NEHA staff to oversee our programs and services in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. We will also be launching a Maine Advisory Council to help our Board ensure that the needs of families in Maine are being met.
Finally, a member of HAM’s Board of Directors will be joining NEHA’s Board. For the first time in our history, NEHA will have a board member in every New England state!
As was the case earlier this year when the Connecticut Hemophilia Society (CHS) joined forces with NEHA, we remain committed to creating an inclusive community across New England that empowers and enhances the lives of individuals with inherited bleeding disorders and their families through education, support, and advocacy.
Together, we are one, united, Wicked Strong Family. We look forward to the opportunities and experiences this new collaboration will bring.
Nancy Messina, President, Board of Directors
Rich Pezzillo, Executive Director