National Bleeding Disorders Foundation Launches Guam Chapter

The initiative stems from a 2023 outreach program where foundation staff met with 43 local community members to address systemic barriers to care. Working alongside the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services and the HRSA Western States Regional Hemophilia Network, the foundation successfully implemented twice-yearly clinic days featuring rotating teams of hematologists, nurses, and physical therapists.

TaniaMarie Mendiola-Sgambelluri, a local advocate and parent, emphasized that the community’s primary objective was creating a sustainable local entity for advocacy and education. This push led to the first regional bleeding disorders family camp in May 2026, which hosted 76 participants. The chapter’s inaugural weekend begins October 16 with a clinic day and community education sessions, concluding with the island's first Unite for Bleeding Disorders Walk. By integrating into the national network, the chapter aims to ensure long-term support for residents living with hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and other rare factor deficiencies.