ASH Leads the #Fight4Hematology

Advocacy in Action

ASH ramped up its advocacy in 2025, recognizing that the new political landscape — which included drastic proposed funding cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) — demanded action.

As part of these advocacy efforts, ASH collected stories from members about the impact of these changes to inform conversations with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, initiated a media campaign targeting key members of Congress, and launched a coordinated effort for ASH members to meet with lawmakers in their district offices. Participation in ASH advocacy campaigns in 2025 was almost double what it was in 2024.

Bolstering Funding for Awards

ASH made an unprecedented investment to significantly increase the number of research awards funded to ensure hematologists could continue their lifesaving work. ASH expanded eligibility for the Bridge Grant program, funding a record 25 awardees in 2025. (In 2026, the ASH Bridge Grant program is being succeeded by the Award for Research Careers in Hematology.)

ASH launched the new Treating Fairly Research Award to fund research that leads to a better understanding of health outcome gaps and interventions to help all hematology patients. The ASH Scholar Award also grew, along with other award programs.

Sharing Stories to Spur Action

Using multiple platforms and media, ASH curated and shared the powerful stories of individuals living with blood diseases. Voices From the Frontlines shed light on their experiences, while the Research Saves Lives resource outlined in clear and compelling terms the impact of NIH funding on local economies, scientific research, the stature of the U.S. as a global leader, and, most importantly, the lives of countless patients. Separately, ASH launched an innovative and extensive targeted media campaign to educate the public about the importance of biomedical research.

The Fight4Hematology campaign helped to generate 800 news stories about ASH's work.

“Investing in research is not optional; it’s lifesaving. I’m alive today because of advances in stem cell transplants and targeted therapies. Federal programs that support patients, caregivers, and equitable access to care are the backbone of recovery. Every dollar toward science is a vote for survival, for hope, for the future.”

Rohan, living with acute myeloid leukemia

More Voices from the Frontlines

Empowering Members to Join the #Fight4Hematology

ASH developed resources to help members share their experiences and expertise with policymakers. The Letter to the Editor and Social Media toolkits, along with state-specific National Institutes of Health Fact Sheets and a PowerPoint deck (available on the #Fight4Hematology Action Hub), provided members with the tools to weigh in and share their support. ASH members and others were also encouraged to support the campaign via donations to the ASH Foundation’s Greatest Needs Fund, which helps to support additional research awards.