The National Hemophilia Foundation presented the organization's Dr. L. Michael Kuhn Award to Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard on March 10th in Washington, D.C. The award is given each year to a leader in Washington in recognition of outstanding service to people with bleeding disorders.  The presentation was made during the organization's annual "Washington Days" program.

In making the presentation, National Hemophilia Foundation CEO Dr. Alan J. Kinniburgh cited many of the Congresswoman Roybal-Allard's accomplishments, including her service on the Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee.  In that role, she has assisted the community in enhancing programs for ensuring the safety of the blood supply, the maintenance of the network of federally funded Hemophilia Treatment Centers, the improvement of programs for the treatment of bleeding disorders and their complications, and the expansion of research for better treatments and potential cures.

More than two hundred members of the bleeding disorders community from around the country attended the National Hemophilia Foundation's annual "Washington Days" program, which took place from March 9-11, 2005. The highlight of the program was a day of meetings with elected representatives to provide important information about the needs and concerns of people affected by bleeding disorders. The main issues that were discussed this year were the need to increase funding for the national network of hemophilia treatment centers, and the hardships created by lifetime insurance caps and by inadequate Medicare reimbursement for anti-hemophilic clotting factor.

The National Hemophilia Foundation has served as a vocal advocate for the needs of people affected by bleeding disorders for more then fifty-five years. The Foundation works to improve the lives and health of the bleeding disorders community through advocacy, education, and research. The goal of the foundation is to ultimately find cures for all bleeding disorders.