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NHF’s vision, Valentino said, is a world without inheritable blood disorders. “If we can achieve that, our job will be done.â€
Scott Miller, DBA, JD, chair of the NHF Board of Directors, shared updates about new board members and thanked the event’s sponsors. The biggest responsibility of the board, he said, is to point the organization in a direction that will make life better for all people with inheritable blood disorders in a very real way. Looking at the organization’s goals, then, they might seem “basic.†But a closer look reveals underlying ambition and opportunities for growth, especially as they delve into issues of health equity, access, and safe and effective therapies.
Keri L. Norris, Ph.D., MPH, MCHES, serves as NHF’s new vice president of health equity, diversity and inclusion. She a veteran in the health equity field, and used the TV show This is Us to expand understanding of health equity. The fictional Pearson family recognized, she said, that they would do the best that they could in raising their three children—one of whom is adopted and of another race—but that the outcome would still be “bigger than us.†This relates to social determinants of health, health outcomes, access to resources, availability of treatments and affordability of treatments. NHF recognizes there are challenges in areas of economic stability; neighborhoods and built environments; education; food; community; safety and social context; and the health care system. What is needed, she said, is the ability to meet people right where they are.
Kevin Mills, PhD, NHF’s new chief scientific officer, expanded on the renewed vision for research. With two decades of experience in hematology, biotechnology and oncology, including running a lab, he is excited to help “chart the new course.†A key component is that people are at the center of the research enterprise.
“Every one of us… every one of you… has an extremely important role in this aspect of NHF’s work: bringing your voice, bringing your experience, bringing your support to bear on the research vision, and helping to inform the directions of research for the blood disorders community going forward,†Mills said. Scientific breakthroughs of the future will happen in the spirit of collaboration and cooperation, driven by common purpose. And tomorrow, he said, “is already here.†He spoke of a pathway to cures, allowing NHF to support promising new discoveries, narrow the gap between basic science and new medicines, and accelerate the process. The organization will soon host its first State of the Science Research Summit in coming weeks, a free virtual event open to all. “We want you to be there, as well,†he said. â–
