BD SUMHAC: Advocating for Fair Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Part II with Kate Bazinsky & Joe Hoelscher

Today on Beyond the Bleeds, we sit down with Kate Bazinsky and Joe Hoelscher for part two of ‘BD SUMHAC  Advocating for Fair Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Part II’ and dive deep into the complexities of advocating for fair mental health and substance use treatment for people with bleeding disorders. Together, we break down the obstacles families face in accessing equitable inpatient or residential care, explore how advocacy shapes state and national policy, and share vital resources that empower our community to fight for their rights.

Kate Bazinsky is a dedicated advocate, mother, and driving force behind BDSUMHAC. With a deep commitment to health equity, she brings personal perspective and professional expertise to the bleeding disorders community. Kate leads collaborative teams at BDC Map, works with national organizations, and builds momentum on the state level to advance inclusive access to care and challenge discrimination in medical settings.

Joe Hoelscher is a seasoned behavioral health specialist with nearly 30 years of experience working across the spectrum of mental health and substance use disorders. Currently at the Hemophilia Outreach Center in Green Bay, Joe brings a deep understanding of the unique intersections between bleeding disorders, chronic pain, and behavioral health. His wide-ranging expertise includes work with both children and adults, and he holds specialized credentials in alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA) treatment. Joe is dedicated to collaborative, holistic care, with a special focus on advocacy for those who often fall through the cracks in our healthcare system.

“It’s essential to recognize that our community deserves the same level of access as anyone else. I see it as a health equity issue.” ~Kate Bazinsky

Today on Beyond the Bleeds:

• The National Bleeding Disorder Foundation’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Council affirms that bleeding disorders should not exclude anyone from inpatient or residential mental health or substance use treatment if their condition is well managed.
• Discriminatory practices—such as requiring people to forgo factor medications or discharging them when they need to infuse—are actively being challenged through advocacy.
• BDC Map’s dedicated teams provide toolkits and resources for providers, families, and individuals facing barriers to treatment and help educate facilities on appropriate accommodations.
• National advocacy has led to changes in the American Society for Addiction Medicine’s guidelines, which now specifically protect the rights of people with self-managed bleeding disorders.
• Federal efforts, including updates to Section 504, have made it illegal for federally funded facilities to deny access purely based on a bleeding disorder diagnosis.
• State-level advocacy is in progress, with BDC Map working actively in multiple states to assess barriers and educate governmental agencies and treatment facilities.
• There are ample ways for community members to get involved, from social media ambassadorship to participating in national advocacy events like Washington Days.
• Ensuring early intervention and open dialogue about mental health and substance use between patients, families, and treatment providers is critical to preventing crises and overcoming stigma.

Guest Contact Information:

Kate Bazinsky: https://bdsumhac.orgInstagram, Facebook, LinkedIn: find via the BDSUMHAC link tree

Resources Mentioned:

BDSUMHAC website & toolkits: https://bdsumhac.orgNational Bleeding Disorder Foundation: https://www.hemophilia.orgAmerican Society for Addiction Medicine (ASAM): https://www.asam.orgNational Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): https://nida.nih.govNational Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://nimh.nih.govNational Bleeding Disorder Foundation’s Washington Days: https://www.hemophilia.org/events/washington-daysBDSUMHAC social media and bi-monthly newsletter: Find links at https://bdsumhac.org/contact

Looking for practical tips, expert advice, and a sense of community while living with or supporting someone with a bleeding disorder?

Subscribe to Beyond the Bleeds, the podcast that explores life with hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and other rare conditions. Hosted by Heather Hansen and John Mazzariello, we bring you real stories, expert insights, and heartfelt conversations designed to he