Canadian Hemophilia Society

The Canadian Hemophilia Society (CHS) is a registered charity dedicated to improving the quality of life for all persons with hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders. CHS was established in 1953. Its goals and objectives are to assure that all persons with hemophilia have ready access to the highest possible level of care; assure that the hemophilia community and public are kept informed; that research will continue to improve care and seek a cure for hemophilia, and to assist persons with hemophilia living in third world countries to ensure that they receive appropriate care. CHS works in collaboration with the Network of Rare Blood Disorder Organizations (NRBDO), a coalition of national patient groups, formed to share the best practices in health care delivery for people with hemophilia and other rare blood disorders. Hemophilia is a rare inherited blood clotting (coagulation) disorder caused by inactive or deficient blood proteins (usually factor VIII). Factor VIII is one of several proteins that enable the blood to clot. Hemophilia may be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. The level of severity is determined by the percentage of active clotting factor in the blood (normal percentage ranges from 50 to 150 percent).