September 15, 2017
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The Honorable Thad Cochran
Chairman
Committee on Appropriations
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Roy Blunt
Chairman
Labor, Health and Human Services
Education and Related Agencies
Subcommittee
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Rodney Frelinghuysen
Chairman
Committee on Appropriations
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Tom Cole
Chairman
Labor, Health and Human Services
Education and Related Agencies
Subcommittee
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
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The Honorable Patrick Leahy
Ranking Member
Committee on Appropriations
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Patty Murray
Ranking Member
Labor, Health and Human Services
Education and Related Agencies
Subcommittee
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Nita Lowey
Ranking Member
Committee on Appropriations
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Rosa DeLauro
Ranking Membor
Labor, Health and Human Services
Education and Related Agencies
Subcommittee
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20510
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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.