New Parent Network

The Teen Group is a collaborative program between the Western Pennsylvania Bleeding Disorders Foundation (WPBDF) and the Hemophilia Center of Western Pennsylvania (HCWP). This group is designed for teenagers who either have a bleeding disorder or are the sibling of someone with a bleeding disorder, who are aged 13-18, and are in middle school or high school. The group gathers several times a year for a variety of activities including camp, teen retreats, service projects, social events, games & activities.

The main goal of this group is to support the transition of teenagers into young adults. We help teens identify challenges they face and ways to overcome them. They learn skills for medical independence as well as life skills for independent living, in a fun and supportive environment.

Teens also have opportunities to gain leadership experience. Teens who are interested apply for the Teen Group Coordinator position. Teens in this role help plan and implement events, help inform other teens about events and activities, and have opportunities to lead activities at events. Current volunteer teen co-coordinators are Raina S. and Ethan W.

For more information please contact either Janet Barone (janet@wpbdf.org) or Katherine Bush (kbush@vitalant.org).