CSL Behring, a global leader in the plasma-protein biotherapies industry and a subsidiary of CSL Limited, has awarded four advocacy grants totalling US$ 87,000 to patient organizations in the United States through the Local Empowerment for Advocacy Development (LEAD) programme. LEAD grants support grassroots advocacy efforts by organizations committed to helping people who use plasma-derived or recombinant therapies manage their health conditions. Since the LEAD programme’s inception in 2008, CSL Behring has awarded more than US$ 340,000 in four semi-annual grant cycles. The deadline for the fifth round of grant requests is April 30, 2010.

"CSL Behring is pleased to recognize four patient organizations who advocate for patient access to care with LEAD Grants," said Dennis Jackman, senior vice president, Public Affairs, CSL Behring. "Each of these organizations shares our company's commitment to saving and improving the lives of people with rare and serious diseases. Each has also made a significant difference in helping people with chronic illnesses gain access to the therapies they need to live normal healthy lives. Whether working at the state or the federal level, these organizations make a real difference in the lives of people who rely on biotherapies for their health and well-being."

In this most recent round of awards, LEAD grants were awarded to four patient organizations focused on chronic illness - National Haemophilia Foundation; Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illness, Inc; Haemophilia and Bleeding Disorders of Alabama; and Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundation

The National Haemophilia Foundation (NHF), located in New York City, received funding to conduct advocacy boot camps in conjunction with 2010 regional training programmes.

"To fully achieve our organization's vision, we must build our national capacity to maintain and achieve access to care for people with bleeding disorders," remarked Val Bias, chief executive officer, NHF. The creation of the Advocacy Boot Camp programme gives us the structure needed to provide comprehensive advocacy training to our chapter leaders that can be easily replicated at the state level. The funds received from the LEAD grant will assist us in rolling out this important programme."

Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illness, Inc., located in Farmington, CT, received funding to develop an online patient resource center.

Haemophilia and Bleeding Disorders of Alabama (HBDA), headquartered in Montgomery, AL, was awarded a grant to help enact standards of care legislation in the Alabama legislature.

Similarly, the Great Lakes Haemophilia Foundation (GLHF) of Milwaukee, WI received a grant to assist with the Foundation’s outreach efforts to legislators and regulators to ensure access to all blood clotting factors through the Wisconsin Medicaid programme or the Wisconsin Chronic Disease programme.

CSL Behring is a leader in the plasma protein therapeutics industry. Committed to saving lives and improving the quality of life for people with rare and serious diseases, the company manufacturers and markets a range of plasma-derived and recombinant therapies worldwide.