Reflecting on Hemophilia’s Bad Blood Era with Peggy Maier & Audrey Nuskiewicz Part I

Today on Beyond the Bleeds, we’re thrilled to have Peggy Maier and Audrey Nuskiewicz sharing their poignant memories and impactful experiences during the Bad Blood Era. This challenging period in the bleeding disorders community saw contaminated blood products spread diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C. Peggy and Audrey delved deeply into their firsthand experiences as nurses, supporting their patients and community with unwavering dedication and care during these tumultuous times.

Peggy Maier and Audrey Nuskiewicz are pioneering nurses who played crucial roles at the Hemophilia Outreach Center. With a deep commitment to their patients, they navigated the complex challenges of working during the era when blood products were not fully understood in terms of transmission risks for HIV and hepatitis C. Their compassionate approach and advocacy have left a lasting impact on the field and countless lives.

“It wore you out. It really wore you out. But we felt we had to be there to support them because they had become very close. They had become family.” – Audrey Nuskiewicz

Today on Beyond the Bleeds:

• The Bad Blood Era significantly impacted the local community, affecting up to 80% of the severe population in Green Bay.
• Nurses Peggy and Audrey played pivotal roles, emotionally and physically supporting patients and their families during this turbulent time.
• Early involvement in the Hemophilia Outreach Center led to today’s comprehensive patient care model.
• The introduction of recombinant factor treatment has dramatically increased product safety.
• Patients built meaningful relationships with healthcare providers, creating a strong support system.
• Education and advocacy were crucial; nurses provided critical information to help patients make informed decisions about their treatment.
• Emotional support extended beyond clinical care, emphasizing the psychological well-being of patients.
• Despite advancements in treatments, the need for ongoing education and awareness of the Bad Blood Era’s history remains vital.

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Ready for a weekend of connection, education, and fun?

Join the Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundation’s Wisconsin Bleeding Disorders Conference from June 6-8 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells!

This event is packed with expert-led sessions covering mental health, aging with bleeding disorders, nutrition, advocacy, and cutting-edge treatments. Plus, there’s something for the whole family—peer-to-peer discussions, youth programs (ages 7-13), and childcare services (ages 4-6).

Registration includes two nights at the Kalahari Resort, meals, and full access t