The health care system of the United States is facing unprecedented challenges in the twenty-first century. Rising costs in the delivery of care, changes in reimbursement, shifts in policy, and increased morbidity command the attention and pro-active participation of all chronic disease groups, if not everyone.

In pursuit of crucial components of the New England Hemophilia Association’s (NEHA) mission to provide educational opportunities and advocacy for individuals with bleeding disorders and their families throughout New England, the Advocacy Committee recommends the formation of an Advocacy Network comprised of “teams” representing each state (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut). The core of each team will consist of 2-4 consumers from the bleeding disorders community within the state. In addition, the team in each state will include staff from the local Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC), as well as members of the homecare and pharmaceutical industries. The activities of the network will be coordinated and monitored by the Advocacy Committee. In instances where potential conflict of interest may exist, participation of all, or part, of the team will be determined by the Advocacy Committee.