Building the Foundation of Hemophilia Care in Green Bay with Co-Founder Peggy Meyer

Today on Beyond the Bleeds, John and I welcome Peggy Meyer, an extraordinary nurse and co-founder of the Hemophilia Outreach Center (HOC) in Green Bay, Wisconsin. We delve into Peggy's inspirational journey, the founding of HOC, and her undying commitment to helping those with bleeding disorders. Peggy shares incredible anecdotes from her decades-long career and discusses the evolution of hemophilia care, from grassroots efforts to pioneering advancements like gene therapy.

 

Peggy Meyer, R.N., is a trailblazer in hemophilia care. With an impressive career spanning multiple decades, Peggy co-founded the Hemophilia Outreach Center, transforming it from a small, volunteer-driven initiative into a comprehensive care facility. Peggy’s dedication has positively impacted countless lives, making her an enduring figure in the hemophilia community.

 

"It's been a patient-driven clinic from the very beginning, and it still is." ~ Peggy Meyer

 

Today on Beyond the Bleeds:

·     Peggy and Audrey Noskowicz began training families in Green Bay to self-infuse IVs at home.

·     Both nurses operated initially from Peggy's home, emphasizing their mission's informal yet dedicated nature.

·     The first clinic space was a small corner in a St. Vincent lobby, which expanded as demand for their services grew.

·     They partnered with local doctors and worked with the Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundation to build their operations.

·     Peggy went without a salary for four months to ensure the clinic's financial stability.

·     HOC's growth eventually led to its gaining a suite at Bellin Hospital, where it continued to expand its services.

·     Gene therapy, which was envisioned decades ago, has become a reality at HOC, marking a significant milestone.

·     Since its humble beginnings, HOC has grown into a comprehensive care center, offering outreach clinics and a wide range of services.

 

Resources Mentioned:

 

Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundation

https://www.glhf.org

 

Bellin Health:

https://www.bellin.org

 

Hemophilia Outreach Center:

https://www.hocgb.org

 

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

 

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Don’t miss out on the Hemophilia Outreach Center’s Winter Education Program on December 7th, 2024, at the Oneida Hotel in Green Bay!

 

With inspiring presentations, fun activities for kids, and a special visit from Santa, it’s an event you won’t want to miss!

 

Visit:

 https://www.hemophiliaoutreach.org/events 

to register today.