About the Neil Frick Resource Center (NFRC)
Established more than 30 years ago in the spring of 1990, HANDI continues to be a trusted resource for those affected by inheritable bleeding disorders, healthcare professionals, and the general public. HANDI provides information and referrals to hemophilia treatment centers, local chapters, and other support organizations throughout the United States and abroad.
Our dear friend and colleague, Neil Frick, passed away in 2024. Neil was passionate about NBDF's mission and the work he had achieved during his 26 years with our organization. He was proud of his role as the senior vice president of the medical programs and information department. He was not only a key leader for NBDF but often represented the organization at professional medical meetings and international conferences.
Originally funded through the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation's (formerly NHF) cooperative grants with the CDC, HANDI was launched at a time of critical need for reliable HIV/AIDS information for people with bleeding disorders and their family members. As an enduring robust resource library, it serves the entire NBDF community.
Under Neil's guidance and vision, HANDI continued to modernize and evolve - all while resolving daily requests for information from within the community and beyond. This is precisely why NBDF has chosen to rename HANDI to become the Neil Frick Resource Center (NFRC). This is a lasting tribute to Neil's tireless advocacy and efforts in ensuring the continuation of this valuable community resource long after and despite diminished CDC funding.
Further expansion of this web section is planned, so please bear with us during this brief period of transition.
The HANDI Story: A Legacy of Hope and Support
In the spring of 1990, amidst one of the most challenging periods in the history of the bleeding disorders community, HANDI was created. The National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (then known as the National Hemophilia Foundation) launched what would become a transformative resource: the Hemophilia and AIDS/HIV Network for the Dissemination of Information, or HANDI. The timing couldn't have been more crucial, as families affected by bleeding disorders were grappling with the devastating impact of the HIV/AIDS crisis, desperately seeking reliable information and guidance during those uncertain times.
Through initial funding from CDC cooperative grants, HANDI began its journey as more than just an information center—it became a lifeline for countless individuals and families searching for answers. What started as a focused initiative to provide accurate HIV/AIDS information soon blossomed into something far more comprehensive. As the years passed, HANDI evolved to address the full spectrum of challenges faced by the bleeding disorders community, from treatment options to insurance navigation, from educational resources to emotional support.
At the heart of HANDI's transformation was Neil Frick, whose 26-year tenure as senior vice president of medical programs and information would shape the organization's future in profound ways. Neil brought more than just leadership to HANDI; he brought vision, passion, and an unwavering commitment to serving the community. Under his guidance, HANDI modernized its approach while staying true to its core mission, expanding its reach both nationally and internationally. Even as CDC funding diminished, Neil's dedication ensured that HANDI continued to serve as a robust resource library for the entire NBDF community.
Through the decades, HANDI became known as more than just an information hub—it was a trusted friend to those navigating the complex world of bleeding disorders. The center connected countless individuals with hemophilia treatment centers, local chapters, and support organizations across the United States and beyond. It served as a bridge between medical professionals and patients, between researchers and families, between those seeking help and those offering hope.
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