Joey Smiles has lived his whole life with the realization that if he gets a cut, the bleeding may not stop.

The Pittston man was born with severe hemophilia, a blood clotting disorder, and takes an injectable medicine weekly in order for normal clotting to occur.

The problem, he said, is the expense of these medications, which for those facing bleeding disorders, is a lifeline that comes with a very steep price tag.

On Thursday, the Carbon County Commissioners recognized this disorder that affects approximately 3,500 in Pennsylvania, naming March as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month in Carbon County. The awareness month coincides with the federal awareness month that was designated in 2016.

The proclamation that was adopted stated that “bleeding disorders, which share the inability to form proper blood clot, are characterized by extended bleeding after injury, surgery, trauma or menstruation and can lead to significant morbidity and can be fatal if not treated effectively.”

There is no cure for the disorder, however therapies, such as the injectable medication Smiles is on, helps replace the missing proteins and help clotting to occur if an injury happens.

In Pennsylvania, there are seven hemophilia treatment centers, including Lehigh Valley Hospital.

Smiles, representing the Eastern Pennsylvania Bleeding Disorders Foundation, thanked the board for recognizing this very significant issue for some residents.

He spoke about his own experiences, traveling to Penn State Hershey Medical Center every three months for medical care.

He also pointed out that most doctors won’t treat patients with this disorder unless they are in one of these treatment centers.

“Just getting a skin tag removed, which is a minor dermatological procedures. Most doctors don’t want to touch you and you have to go to an affiliate treatment center where they have comprehensive care,” Smiles said.