CIBD was honored to send a representative to the YETI (Youth Effectively Transitioning to Independence) Leadership Retreat, a premier weekend program focused on helping teens with bleeding disorders build confidence and leadership skills as they transition into young adulthood.
This hands-on retreat gave participants from across the country the chance to explore what makes teen programs successful. Attendees learned how to turn single events into ongoing initiatives, share ideas and resources, and collaborate on strategies that keep teens engaged and connected. The goal: to implement programs that don’t just happen once, but create lasting impact for teens and their communities.
Beyond training for organizations, YETI provides a unique chance for teens aged 16–20 to connect with peers nationwide. Many programs happen only within individual chapters or treatment centers, but YETI helps teens form friendships, share experiences, and even start thinking about how they can contribute to future programming.
Why do Transition Programs Matter?
Did you know that teens with bleeding disorders face unique challenges as they move toward independence? Beyond navigating everyday teen milestones, they must also learn to manage their care, communicate with healthcare providers, and advocate for themselves, all while balancing school, work, and social life. Transition programs provide structured support to help teens develop these skills, build confidence, and feel prepared for the next stage of life. These programs also help teens feel less isolated and more connected to peers facing similar experiences. For more insight on providing support to patients with blood disorders, check out our recent article: Supporting Mental Health in the Blood Disorders Community.
Janette Zetina, MSHS, LSSBB, CIBD’s Program Manager for Quality Improvement and Data Analytics, attended this year’s YETI retreat and reflected:
CIBD returned from the retreat inspired to continue building programs and initiatives that are meaningful, engaging, and impactful. Our focus remains on creating opportunities for young people to learn, grow, lead, and feel connected to the broader bleeding disorders community.
Applications for the YETI Youth Leadership Retreat open in October. If you’re interested in learning more or applying, please contact Rigo Garcia at the Hemophilia Foundation of Southern California for additional information.