History

The Hemophilia Foundation of Southern California has been serving the community for fifty years providing quality programs and services to individuals affected by Hemophilia and other bleeding disorders.

Like many foundations, ours began out of the vision of a few individuals who saw the need and importance of uniting in an effort to provide information, education, and improved treatments that would keep their loved ones alive. Over the years, we have continued this mission and have grown to meet the changing needs of the bleeding disorders community. We continue, where medical treatment leaves off; in our efforts to reach all people affected by hemophilia, and other serious forms of bleeding disorders. We want them to know that there are others who understand their hardships who are here to support them as they journey through the adventures and struggles of living with a bleeding disorder.

Currently, HFSC offers assistance in many areas such as medic alert sponsorship, emergency financial assistance, individual and family counseling, family gatherings and retreats, case management, seminars, advocacy, along with youth focused programs like summer camp, kids club, and HemoGames. We also work to educate our community through health-focused education and resources like our informative newsletters, web site, and fact sheets.

We serve the following counties: Los Angeles, Orange, Kern, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Riverside and Ventura Counties. Based on a conservative 1.5% of the population in our area there are just under 2,000 individuals with Hemophilia A and B, over 300,000 individuals with von Willebrand, as well as countless more with other types of bleeding disorders.

Mission Statement

To improve the quality of life and build community for families and individuals living with hemophilia or other bleeding disorders by offering a variety of programs and services that educate, advocate and support the needs of the bleeding disorders community in Southern California.

Our 1st annual Southern California Hemophilia Walk, held October 17th at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was a great success! We will be announcing the date for our 2010 Walk soon! You can go to www.hemophilia.org/walk for more information. Or email us at commadv@hemosocal.org.

Board of Directors:
Richard Metz MD, President

Doris Quon MD, Medical Director

Alona Metz, Secretary

Members:
Melissa Franzen
Tamara Kato
Greg Mermilliod
Giovanny Pernudi

Staff:

Linda Corrente, Executive Director
e:: execdir@hemosocal.org

Natalie Simons- Special Events and Program Assistant
e:: commadv@hemosocal.org

Helena Smith, Office Manager
e:: ofcmgr@hemosocal.org

With 18 million residents in los Angeles, Orange, Kern, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Riverside and Ventura Counties, and based upon Centers for Diesease Control and Prevention estimates of one Hemophilic male per 5000 live male births, there are an estimated 1800 males in the HFSC's catchment area with Hemophilia A and B.

In 2002, HFSC's constituants continued to reflect the catchment area:

White
Hispanic
Asia/Pacific Islander
Black
Other

54%
31%
7%
6%
2%