September 15, 2017

Dear Chairmen Cochran, Blunt, Frelinghuysen and Cole and Ranking Members Leahy, Murray, Lowey, and DeLauro,

We are writing to express our appreciation for rejecting the proposed cuts to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Maternal Child Health Block Grant, Special Projects of National Significance (SPRANS) program, in the FY2017 Consolidated Appropriations bill. We also respectfully request that the funding for this vital program be maintained for FY2018.

The SPRANS program includes critical funding for the national network of Hemophilia Treatment Centers (HTCs), which provide highly specialized care to patients with bleeding disorders and their complications. Bioverativ is concerned that any potential cuts to the SPRANS hemophilia program would impede the ability for HTCs to administer vital care to people with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders.

HTCs are comprehensive care facilities recognized for coordinating high-quality, cost-effective health care for people with rare and complex medical conditions. They play a critical role in ensuring that individuals with hemophilia have access to the providers, services and treatments they need to lead productive lives.

Bioverativ is committed to transforming the lives of people rare blood disorders and to ensuring that people with hemophilia can receive optimal care based on their individual needs. As healthcare delivery continues to evolve, HTCs are increasingly important in innovating to improve the quality of care delivered to people with hemophilia.

Once again, we are grateful for your efforts to date to reject proposed budget cuts for the SPRANS hemophilia program for FY17 and urge your continued vigilance in protecting those funds for FY18 and beyond.

Sincerely,

Tracy Vineis

Executive Director
Communications and Government Affairs

Bioverativ’s letter of support: Click here.