Bleeding Disorders in Women Need Review by Senator Joe Vitale
Diagnosing and treating blood disorders is a necessary and worthwhile investment for New Jersey. Bleeding Disorders in women are among the most common and neglected type in the State of New Jersey. The neglect of such disorders only leads to substantial medical, financial, and psycho-social problems for the effected women and the Public Health Sector of New Jersey.
The New Jersey Governor’s Task Force on Women with Bleeding Disorders, established by former Governor McGreevey by Executive Order #51 in 2004, has investigated female bleeding disorders in hopes of solving the dilemma. The force has met every four to six weeks since November 16, 2004. The findings of the Task Force are and their recommendations are basic, yet have a far reaching potential.
As for the recommended findings of the Task Force, if we are going to decrease bleeding disorders and begin effective diagnose of this widely untreated problem we must implement new medical guidelines. The first of which must be medical and educational guidelines providing reasonable and acceptable criteria to clinically define and determine an irregular menses. Additionally there is a need to develop laboratory testing guidelines for performing hemostasis testing. Launching a Public Awareness campaign target toward women to educate the public about normal and abnormal menses and other bleeding disorders caused by excessive menstrual cycles is also essential.
Additionally, to ensure that the recommendations of the Task Force are implemented it is suggested the Governor’s Task Force on Women with Bleeding Disorders be sustained for an additional period of 18 months. The Task Force has also requested permission to establish the following sub-committees to address these specific recommendations, a Medical/Scientific Sub-Committee, an Education Sub-Committee, and a Public Awareness Committee. Each of theses sub-committees would be in charge of implementing and establishing set goals and standards as per the three Task Force recommendations.
Ultimately, the goals of Health Care officials must be to ensure appropriate testing and medical attention to women with Bleeding Disorders. Since many women go undiagnosed and misdiagnosed throughout the State, it is within our best interest to continue the task force and to implement the aforementioned recommendations. Medical professionals and women alike need information not only on the disorders themselves but also of the highly dangerous consequences of the disorders going untreated. If we can increase both public and medical attention the dilemma many women face it is possible to prevent, or successfully treat many of the painful and devastating consequences related to Female Blood Disorders.