As we continue to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak in Ontario, the rest of Canada and around the world, we understand the uncertainty that it may bring to our community. We know that first on your mind is the health and safety of you, your family, and others around you. We are here for you during this challenging time and we encourage you to reach out with any questions or requests for member support. We take our responsibility to you seriously and are here for you if you need us.
We would like to take this opportunity to update you about Hemophilia Ontario’s operations, and what you can do to help yourself and your family.
Who to Contact
For support or questions related to inherited bleeding disorders contact Bojan Pirnat by phone at 647-354-5660 or by email at bpirnat@hemophilia.on.ca.
For administration, contact Susan Turner by phone at 416-972-0641 or by email at sturner@hemophilia.on.ca.
For any other questions or concerns related to Hemophilia Ontario’s operations contact Byron James by phone at 705-690-4605 or by email at bjames@hemophilia.on.ca, or Cameron Peters by email at President@hemophilia.on.ca.
How to Help Yourself and Your Family
We strongly suggest that anyone who maintains a stock of factor at home ensure that they have a minimum of several weeks’ worth of factor on hand.
Our understanding is that there is no additional health related risk from COVID-19 for individuals with inherited bleeding disorders.
If you are immunocompromised, have inhibitors or have other serious medical issues you should take care to avoid exposure to others who are sick, especially those with fever and/or a cough. You should be in contact with your doctor to discuss additional precautions.
If you, or a family member, need to attend a hospital, consider taking as few family members with you as possible. We encourage you to follow the recommendations made by provincial and federal health authorities.
All personal medical questions should be directed to your hemophilia treatment centre.
Annual General Meeting & World Hemophilia Day
Our in-person AGM and World Hemophilia Day events in Hamilton on April 17 and 18, 2020 are cancelled. The Board of Directors is exploring the possibility of holding a virtual AGM. We will be in contact with you when a decision is made.
Operations & Programs
All planned programs and events remain set to go ahead. At this time, we are planning to run our child and family camps in the summer and fall as scheduled.
Hemophilia Ontario is operational during this situation with no foreseen disruption to member support and services. All of our staff has the ability to work from home so there will be no interruption to our operations.
Resources
Local public health units http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/common/system/services/phu/locations.aspx
Public Health Ontario
Public Health Agency of Canada
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health.html
Additional Message from Hemophilia Canada
Message concernant COVID-19
Message Regarding COVID-19
We will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates moving forward should circumstances change. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.
Cameron Peters President
Byron James Executive Director
