The Blood Diseases & Disorders Education Program is a national health education program coordinated by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) that aims to bring greater visibility to blood donation and safety, as well as to the diagnosis, treatment and management of blood diseases and disorders, by translating research for patients and professionals.
The objectives of the program are to:
- Raise awareness about blood diseases and disorders.
- Create science-based, patient-centered resources and materials addressing patients’ needs across the care continuum.
- Promote the importance of and address safety concerns about blood donation.
- Communicate about NHLBI blood science research and clinical trials.
- Maintain a partnership network of organizations interested in blood diseases
What is the Blood Health Network?
The Blood Diseases & Disorders Education Program coordinates the Blood Health Network, a partnership network of public and private organizations interested in blood health education.
The Blood Health Network:
- Helps drive outreach efforts to increase awareness about blood diseases and disorders, their treatment and management, and blood safety.
- Extends the reach of blood health messages and materials to help address the information needs of people living with blood diseases and disorders, their family members, caregivers, and health professionals who treat them.
- Increases understanding and awareness of NHLBI blood science research and National Institutes of Health-sponsored clinical trials.
What are the benefits of being a Blood Health Network partner?
Blood Health Network partners have easy access to science-based materials and receive regular NHLBI updates. Additionally, partners will be listed on the Blood Diseases & Disorders Education Program’s website. Partners will have a direct connection to NHLBI and can help shape current and future education efforts.
Being part of the Network will help ensure that the blood health community is working together with NHLBI to disseminate blood health research information for the benefit of the patient and provider communities that need it the most. Other benefits include access to a variety of print and digital education materials, including fact sheets and social media resources, and observance month resources.
What types of partners make up the Blood Health Network?
The Blood Health Network is comprised of public and private organizations and programs from across the country, including patient and advocacy organizations, professional organizations, federal agencies, nonprofits, community-based organizations, and research organizations. All participating organizations have a mission that aligns with the Blood Diseases & Disorders Education Program.
Who can become a Blood Health Network partner?
We welcome organizations that are active in educating the American public about blood safety, as well as blood diseases and disorders. Participation is free and open to organizations that provide resources and education to patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
What will Blood Health Network partners be asked to do, and how can we work together?
Organizations are asked to:
- Keep an active link to the Blood Diseases & Disorders Education Program on their website.
- Use Blood Diseases & Disorders Education Program resources and materials to educate the public, patients, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders in their outreach activities.
- Follow, engage with, and share Blood Diseases & Disorders Education Program social media channels and/or content.
- Participate in quarterly partnership meetings.
- Provide organizational updates at least two times per year about activities, resources, or events.
Additionally, Blood Health Network partners may have the opportunity to:
- Review and evaluate materials and messaging.
- Provide insight into future communications and dissemination strategies.
- Help recruit additional partners to participate in program activities.
- Cohost meetings, webinars, or events.
The level of collaboration will differ from organization to organization, depending on size and infrastructure. NHLBI will work closely with each partner to identify opportunities best suited for collaboration and can provide resources and support, including:
- Shipping printed materials or providing print files to partners.
- Spotlighting organizations’ blood health education activities on the Blood Diseases & Disorders Education Program website and other communication channels.
- Providing technical assistance through webinars and trainings.
Who from my organization should be the partner representative for the Blood Health Network?
Organizations should select staff or volunteer representatives who are current members of the organization and are willing to participate in the Blood Health Network on a continuing basis. All representatives should be qualified to present the views, opinions, and commitments of the organization. All representatives should be committed to sharing materials, resources, and information with their respective organizations’ leadership, members, and constituents.
How is this Blood Health Network different from other collaborative efforts?
While other coalitions may focus on specific blood diseases and disorders, the Blood Health Network brings together these organizations, as well as organizations that focus more broadly on blood health and safety, under one umbrella.
How can I become a partner?
Email us at HealthEdu@nhlbi.nih.gov. Please include “Blood Health Network” in the subject line. A coordinator of the Blood Health Network will follow up in a timely manner to all inquiries received.