In recent years, the World Health Organization and other UN agencies, European institutions and health ministries have recognised the urgent need for commitment and action on mental health. We know more about mental health today than ever before.
According to the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development): “Mental ill-health can have devastating effects on individuals, families and communities, with one in every two people experiencing a mental health [problem] in their lifetime.”
The European Mental Health Week is a pan-European initiative that aims to raise awareness of the importance of mental health in our everyday lives. Set up and run by Europe’s largest independent mental health NGO Mental Health Europe, the fifth edition of the European Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from 13 to 19 of May 2024.
As outlined by Mental Health Europe, this week-long online action is a chance for everyone to exchange about all aspects of mental health, share personal stories of coping with difficulties in times of crisis and in general, and highlight the need for action.
Therefore, the European Haemophilia Consortium (EHC) joins the European Mental Health Week’s call to raise the general public and policymakers’ understanding of mental health, reduce stigma, and change behaviours and attitudes. Mental health care must be equitable and accessible to all, especially to people in vulnerable situations such as people with bleeding disorders.
As part of our ongoing efforts to promote physical and mental health in the bleeding disorders community through a range of initiatives, the EHC launched the #ThisWay campaign. Discover more about our patient stories, physical activity challenges, and walking tours during EHC Conferences here.
Collaboration. Respect. Equality. Let’s make it a reality together.
Jim is aged 66 and has Haemophilia A with a high titer inhibitor which he developed at age 14.
Maria Elisa Mancuso (MD, PhD) is a Haematologist and works as a Senior Haematology Consultant at the Center for Thrombosis and Haemorrhagic Diseases of IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital in Rozzano, Milan, Italy. She is Adjunct Clinical Professor at Humanitas University. She obtained a post-degree in Clinical and Experimental Haematology and a PhD in Clinical Methodology. She is involved in clinical research and has published several original articles in peer-reviewed journals a The Lancet, Blood, Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Haematologica, Thrombosis and Haemostasis, British Journal of Haematology and Haemophilia. She is reviewer for several peer-reviewed journals and member of the Editorial Board of JTH. She is a member of several scientific societies (ISTH, WFH, ASH, EAHAD, SISET, AICE) and was a medical member of the Inhibitor Working Group of the European Hemophilia Consortium. She is co-chair of the ADVANCE Study Group. She has acted also as co-chair of the Scientific and Standardization Subcommittee of ISTH on FVIII, FIX and rare bleeding disorders. She has been involved as principal and co-investigator in several clinical trials, and she takes care of both children and adults with hemophilia and other congenital bleeding disorders with a specific scientific interest in novel therapies, prophylaxis, inhibitors, and chronic hepatitis C.
As a patient with factor II deficiency, the diagnostic and treatment of rare bleeding disorders is a matter dear to my heart. My motivation to participate in the work of the ERIN committee is to improve both diagnostic and treatment for patients with rare bleeding disorders across Europe.
Economist and financial expert by profession, executive coach and trainer by passion and haemophilia advocate by every drop of my blood through my son (who has severe haemophilia A with inhibitors). Bringing a good decade of practical experience from the corporate insurance world, laser focus, growth mindset and resilience from my own experience, offering you anything I can just do, in hope that together we can make life more fulfilled for those impacted by bleeding disorders.
Amy Owen-Wyard is a Registered Mental Health Nurse. With experience working with children, young people, their families and adults with severe and enduring mental health conditions. Amy was also involved in a service improvement to provide a holistic care approach for those in general hospitals to support both their mental and physical health, whilst sharing her expertise and knowledge in mental health with the wider multidisciplinary team.
