DISCLAIMER: While we are not medical professionals and cannot provide medical advice, we are here as a community resource to help connect you with the appropriate healthcare teams, direct you to trusted information, and offer peer support. Our goal is to ensure you or your family feel less alone and know where to turn for medical care.
For any medical concerns or emergencies, please contact your healthcare provider, your local Hemophilia Treatment Centre (HTC), or seek immediate medical attention through your nearest hospital.
New to Bleeding Disorder Care?
Download our quick-start guide created especially for nurses, physiotherapists, social workers, and allied health professionals beginning their journey in this specialized field. It offers a clear overview of Ontario’s care landscape, key associations, and the resources that can support you.
Bleeding Disorder Care – New Staff Quick Reference 2025 PDF
Common Patient Questions We Can Help Answer
Who do I contact if I (or my child) is having a bleed?
If you are currently experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
For non-emergency situations, the best point of contact is your local Hemophilia Treatment Centre (HTC). In Ontario, you can find the list of HTCs, including nurse coordinators and contact information, on our Hemophilia Treatment Centre (HTC) page.
When calling an HTC, you may reach a voicemail. Be sure to leave a message with your name, contact information, and a brief description of your needs. Some centres may have prompts that will guide you to an on-call hematologist if you require immediate medical guidance outside of regular office hours.
HTCs often rely on voicemail to efficiently manage inquiries. Due to staffing limitations and the need to provide thorough responses, clinic staff may prioritize reviewing messages before returning calls. This process allows them to assess your needs, gather relevant information, and provide the most helpful and timely response.
How do I access Factor Replacement Therapy if I am new to Ontario?
In Ontario, factor replacement therapy is dispensed differently than in many other parts of the world. Rather than being available through pharmacies, factor is distributed through hospital bloodbanks.
This also means that conventional prescriptions are not used. Instead, factor is ordered directly through a Hemophilia Treatment Centre (HTC), and you must be registered as a patient with an HTC in order to receive factor products. If you are not yet connected to an HTC, see the section below on how to become a patient.
All major HTCs (listed on our Hemophilia Treatment Centres page) carry Factor VIII and Factor IX on hand for their registered patients. However, it’s important to note that not all regional or local hospitals will stock factor products.
If you require DDAVP, it is best to contact the specific hospital directly to confirm whether it is available on-site.
If you are visiting from outside Ontario — whether from another province or another country — it may be helpful to contact your home HTC as well. They can often assist in coordinating your care or providing documentation that may help the Ontario team support you while you’re here.
I’ve recently moved to Ontario — how do I become a patient of a Hemophilia Treatment Centre?
Ontario’s HTCs are specialized clinics that support people with bleeding disorders throughout their lifetime. Becoming a patient ensures you receive the right care, treatment, and support.
To start the process you must receive a referral from your home HTC to access your new clinic. Not being a patient does not mean that you will be denied help, however being registered to a specific HTC is the only way to receive factor products for at prophylactic or at home use and regular clinic visits.
If you require assistance in this process it is best to reach out to an HTC.
I’m new to Canada — how does care work for bleeding disorders here?
Canada has a network of Hemophilia Treatment Centres (HTCs) located in most provinces, with Ontario home to several leading centres. If you’ve recently arrived, your first step should be to connect with a community or family doctor, who can provide a referral to the HTC closest to where you live.
Once referred, the HTC can help explain how the healthcare system covers treatment and assist with transferring your care or arranging your first consultation.
Travelling Outside of Canada?
If you’re planning to travel outside of Canada, it’s important to speak with your Hemophilia Treatment Centre (HTC) before your trip. Your care team can help you:
Determine how much factor or other medication you should bring, based on the length and nature of your travel.
Discuss important protocols and precautions to take in case of a bleed or emergency while abroad.
Provide you with documentation or letters you may need for border crossings, customs, or medical care.
Before you travel, it’s also a good idea to check the World Federation of Hemophilia’s Local Support Directory to identify HTCs near your destination. Knowing where to go in advance can save valuable time in an emergency.
You can find information on international HTCs on the World Federation of Hemophilia website.
