COVID-19 emails
March 16: Staying Connected is More Important Than Ever
HFNC Community Members,
As we navigate the current health crisis together, our primary concern is, and has always been, the health and wellness of the individuals, families and communities that we serve.
In this unprecedented moment, being connected with each other is more important than ever. While we may be practicing social distancing, staying healthy means not falling into an unhealthy pattern of social isolation. Taking care of our emotional well-being, prioritizing self-care and staying engaged with the important people in your life are among the most critical things we can do during this time.
Our goal is to keep you as informed as possible. We will continue providing regular emails, but we also invite you to visit our new webpage focused on our response to this pandemic. Please also read these updates from our national organizations:
National Hemophilia Foundation's Medical and Scientific Advisory Council letter.
Hemophilia Federation of America's Online COVID-19 Hub.
Please Read These Important Updates:
HFNC Spring Events – The CDC recommends postponing or cancelling gatherings of more than 50 people. As a result, all HFNC events until May 15, 2020 are postponed. More information will be provided as we reschedule these events. The following events are now postponed:
Emerging Therapies Forum (rescheduled to July 19)
Crab Feed (TBD)
Family Education Day (rescheduled to October 18)
Bleaders (may take place virtually! Stay tuned)
The Unite Walk and Camp Hemotion will still happen as planned. As information is changing daily, we will keep you informed.
Camp Applications – Applications for Camp Hemotion will be accepted until April 30. If you haven’t already done so, please apply HERE. If you have any questions about the application process, please email bryan.anderson@hemofoundation.org.
HFNC Office – To protect our staff, we are closing our office for the time being. All staff members will be accessible via phone and email. If something is urgent, please email one of us:
Alona: alona.metz@hemofoundation.org
Bryan: bryan.anderson@hemofoundation.org
Ashley: ashley.gregory@hemofoundation.org
Dawn: dawnmarypollard@gmail.com
Webinars – We are working to launch a new online and interactive initiative in which we will host a live webinar or group video hangout about various topics. Stay tuned for more information.
Emergency Assistance – HFNC provides $20,000 in emergency financial assistance to community members in need every year. This year, we did not receive our normal donation to this fund and are currently reviewing our program guidelines to ensure assistance is available to community members during this difficult time. In the coming days, you will receive another email about this. Learn more about the program.
Donations – Several people have asked how they can donate to community members who are struggling during this difficult time. Donations can be made at the bottom of our new webpage. All donations go toward supporting bleeding disorder families in need and those who request emergency financial assistance throughout Northern California. Please help us make sure that our family members who need it most are not alone during this challenging time.
We appreciate your understanding during this very dynamic and unprecedented situation. Please contact us with any questions at: (510) 658-3324 or any of our email addresses above.
Wishing you and your family good health.
The HFNC Staff
March 23: We Are All in This Together
The California State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health is ordering all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence. Everyone is required to stay home except to get food, care for a relative or friend, get necessary health care, or go to an essential job. If you go out, keep at least 6 feet of distance.
Learn More. What can I do? What’s open?
El Oficial de Salud del Estado de California Pública y Director del Departamento de Salud Pública de California está ordenando a todos los individuos que viven en el Estado de California para quedarse en casa o en su lugar de residencia
Aprenda más ¿Qué puedo hacer? ¿Qué sigue abierto?
On Friday March 20, the CEOs of National Hemophilia Foundation and Hemophilia Federation of America hosted an online discussion on COVID-19 concerns for the bleeding disorder community. You can watch the video on Youtube.
Other Resources
Working from home? This NPR article has some helpful suggestions.
Laid off or need family leave? FAQ for applying for benefits.
Feeling anxious or stressed?
Check out the Center for Disease Control's (CDC) page on Managing Stress and Anxiety.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness' (NAMI) Information and Resources page.
Need something to do with the kids at home?
Cosmic Kids Yoga - a Youtube Yoga series designed specially for kids aged 3+, used in schools and homes all over the world.
Homeschooling - The Today Show has a great list of free resources to help you keep a little bit of academic balance for your kids.
