CSL Behring LEAD program invites grant requests from organizations assisting people with rare diseases

CSL Behring, a global leader in the plasma-protein biotherapeutics industry, is calling for grant requests through its Local Empowerment for Advocacy Development (LEAD) program. The LEAD program awards funds to United States patient organizations that assist people with rare diseases in advocating for continued access to health care and life-saving plasma protein therapies.

During the past 18 months, the LEAD program has awarded more than $250,000 to 18 patient organizations for their use in funding grassroots advocacy initiatives that mobilize patient populations to advance state standards of care legislation and improve access to health insurance.

“CSL Behring LEAD grants make a real difference in the lives of people who use our therapies,” said Dennis Jackman, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs. “These grants support patient group programs and tools that further empower people to advocate for continued access to their life-saving therapies.”

To qualify for a LEAD grant, a patient organization must:

• Be a non-profit with 501(c)(3) tax status;
• Represent people who use plasma protein therapies to treat coagulation disorders, immune deficiencies, genetic emphysema or other conditions; and
• Demonstrate that financial assistance will help the group or organization advance important local or state advocacy initiatives.

The deadline for submitting applications to the LEAD Program is October 30, 2009. Applications, specific criteria for applying and additional information about the LEAD program are available on the CSL Behring Web site at www.cslbehring.com/leadgrants.