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Support Networks for Independent Young Adults

It doesn’t matter if you’re shy or outgoing (if you typically thrive on human contact or prefer to be alone) or if you’re somewhere in between—people generally need to be around other people. This is especially true during times of crisis or when facing a personal challenge.

Many social systems and support networks exist to help people with bleeding disorders. Finding the group that best fits your needs may take some work on your part, but it will be well worth the effort in the long run.


Here are some ideas on where to look:

Local Support

  • Your Hemophilia Treatment Centers (HTC).
    • HTCs offer more than just medical care. Let them work with you so you can live your life to the fullest!

To find an HTC near you, click on Hemophilia Treatment Center Quick Finder.

  • Local chapters of the National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF) and other bleeding disorder organizations.
    • Check out the calendar of events and activities. You’ll find fun things to do and interesting people to meet.

To find a local NHF chapter, click on The Chapter Center.

National Support

  • The National Youth Leadership Institute (NYLI).
    • The National Hemophilia Foundation’s leadership training program for young adults aged 18-25 years who have demonstrated leadership skills in their community. Youth Leaders implement youth events focusing on prevention and self-empowerment in their local areas.

For more information, click on About NYLI.

  • Mentor programs.
    • Involve an experienced person (the mentor) assisting another (the mentee) in developing various life skills to enhance the mentee’s personal growth. These programs exist throughout the United States and might be something for you to consider, either as a mentor or mentee.
  • Online communities.
    • A popular way to give and receive support is via Internet chat rooms and discussion boards. These online forums are a great way to connect with others and share information. However, you need to be aware of some of the dangers associated with online communication, ranging from inappropriate conduct to misuse of personal information.

Keep in Touch – Keep Connected

Like the NHF Facebook page and Follow the NHF Twitter page

To stay linked to all the helpful resources and up-to-date on activities.

For more information, including various online Web sites, click on Digital Connections.

  • Camps catering to the bleeding disorders community offer another great way to give and receive support. Some camps have counselor positions and other jobs available.

For more information about camps by state, click on The National Hemophilia Foundation Camp Directory.

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National Hemophilia Foundation ©2011 All Rights Reserved
The information contained in this Web site is provided for your general information only. It is not intended as a substitute for visiting with your physician, nurse, or social worker. The National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF) does not give medical advice or engage in the practice of medicine. NHF under no circumstances recommends particular treatments for specific individuals and in all cases recommends that you consult your physician or local treatment center before pursuing any course of treatment.
This Web site is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Cooperative Agreement 5U27DD000534-02: National Hemophilia Foundation’s Proposal to Prevent Complications of Bleeding Disorders. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the CDC.