Hemophilia in the Classroom: Insights from Nurses, Parents & Patients

Today on Beyond the Bleeds, John and Heather sit down with Kelli Birk and Crosby Willett, alongside Tricia Delaney, a nurse at the Hemophilia Outreach Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to discuss the importance of school in services for children with bleeding disorders. The conversation covers what these in-services entail, how they benefit both students and school staff, and personal experiences from Kelly and Crosby on navigating the school system with a bleeding disorder.

Tricia Delaney is a nurse at the Hemophilia Outreach Center and has dedicated her career to educating and supporting patients with bleeding disorders. Kelli Birk, a seasoned advocate for her son Crosby Willett, who has severe hemophilia A and Von Willebrand’s type one, shares invaluable insights from their journey through the school system. Together, they emphasize the importance of community education and proactive management in ensuring the well-being of children with such health conditions.

“Knowledge is power. But also, we want all of these kids to be treated just like any other child.” – Tricia Delaney

Today on Beyond the Bleeds:

• School in-services for bleeding disorders help educate teachers, school nurses, and sometimes even the entire class.• Common misconceptions about bleeding disorders include the belief that individuals will bleed profusely, while in reality, they bleed for a longer duration.• These educational sessions can be arranged at the beginning of the school year and any time parents or school staff request them.• The Hemophilia Outreach Center offers these in-services to students at all educational levels, from daycare to college.• Visual tools like ‘blood soup’ and vein finders are effective in helping children understand bleeding disorders.• Crosby’s personal experiences highlight the importance of peer education and having proactive school staff.• An individualized health plan is provided to schools, detailing specific care actions for children with bleeding disorders.• Parents are encouraged to use the Hemophilia Outreach Center’s resources, including a texting line for quick communication.

Guest Contact Information:

Hemophilia Outreach Center: https://hemophiliaoutreach.org/  

Resources Mentioned:

Hemlibra Information: https://www.hemlibra.com

Von Willebrand Disease Information: https://www.bleeding.org/bleeding-disorders-a-z/types/von-willebrand-disease

Green Bay Area Hemophilia Resources: https://hemophiliaoutreach.org/patient-resources/  

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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