Rocky Mountain Hemophilia & Bleeding Disorders Association

The Rocky Mountain Hemophilia & Bleeding Disorders Association (RMHBDA) is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization, founded in 2000, and focused on consumer education, advocacy and support.   We are a chartered chapter of the National Hemophilia Foundation. Our mission is to improve the quality of care and life for persons with inherited bleeding disorders, including hemophilia and von Willebrand Disease through education, peer support, and resource and referral.

RMHBDA provides educational materials and disseminates information about inherited bleeding disorders and their complications to consumers, health care providers, and the general public. The organization also publishes a quarterly newsletter and maintains a library of brochures, books, articles, videos, audio tapes, and contact information for other bleeding disorders contacts such as the National Hemophilia Foundation.

Peer Support

RMHBDA sponsors an annual education weekend for members, an annual family camp for affected individuals and their families, helps families arrive at their nearest satellite clinic held bi-annually (usually in June and October) by the Mountain States Regional Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center (MSRHTC), and offers a patient assistance fund that aids families in medical crisis.

Other Resources

RMHBDA maintains a listing of specialized hemophilia care and emergency clotting factory acquisition, financial reimbursement guidance, and supporting comprehensive bleeding disorders care in Montana and Wyoming.

ALERT

Medical Advisory #414
October 26, 2011

WARNING ABOUT USE OF NON-STERILE ALCOHOL WIPES

In January 2011, NHF issued a Medical Advisory (#412) about a recall of non-sterile alcohol wipes produced by one company, Triad. In April, the FDA forced this company to close. Now, additional infections have occurred in patients using non-sterile alcohol wipes manufactured by another company, Pacific Disposables International (PDI). This company has also been required by the FDA to recall their products. Both of these companies package their products under their own label and under other companies’ labels.

At this time, it appears prudent to recommend that all individuals who have alcohol wipes or other prep pads/swabs in their home examine the individual packages to see if they contain the word “Sterile.” This includes wipes that are packaged with factor or other IV preparation kits.  If the word “sterile” does not appear on the package, there is no way to determine if they are in fact sterile or not. Therefore, individuals should discontinue use of any wipes that do not state “sterile” and request replacement with sterile wipes from their clotting factor distributor.

Nurses should also check their supply of alcohol wipes to ensure that they are only using sterile wipes. This is particularly important for patients with indwelling venous access devices (catheters or ports) and for patients with compromised immune systems, but should be standard of care for all patients.

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