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NBCA Concept Document

STC-STW_Year 1_EvaluationReport

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STC-STW_Hospitals_EvaluationReport

STC-STW_Hospitals_EvaluationReport

STC-STW_Aug thru Dec_2016

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Hospitals Week 2018 Social Media Results

Marcom BCAM 2018

VTE Preferences Survey – TH 2018 – Lutsey

2017ConnorsNEJM Tromboph test and ven thromb

Risk-Factors-Checklist

NBCA Pregnancy Screener.docx

NBCA PSA message testing screener

PSA Message Testing Trends and Considerations

Prelim BCAM19 Metrics

NWHW print feature

Marcom BCAM 2018

2018 BCAM STC-STW-Hospitalization FINAL Results Report

Public Awareness Survey Results_ASH

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NWHW18 Social Media Metrics

NBCA iEspanol Banner_(For Final Approval)

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iEspanol Screenshot Samples

Marcom Board Reports_Sep-Oct-Jan

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NBCA Exec Summary-Pregnancy Metrics

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BCAM19 STC-STW Results Report

BCAM19 Results Report

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National-Blood-Clot-Cancer-Treatment-Oncology (1)

2019 Hospitals Week Social Media Results

2019 Womens Health Week-Month Social Media Results

General Public_ Summary_Results (1)

Hospitalization_Summary_Results (2)

Pregnancy_Executive Summary Results

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February-March 2020 Campaign Results

W&BC Radio Spot and Mat Release Results Report 2020

W&BC Radio Spot Aug 2020:

CANCER BELOW

STC-STW_Cancer_EvaluationReport

Infographic Placements

Mat Release Placement List – for web

Radio Health Journal Report for web

Social Media and Digital Metrics Report_Sep 2020

BCAM2020_ STC-STW Results Report

Hospitals and NWHW 2020_Promotional Results

Hospitals and Women’s Health Month 2020_Social Media Metrics

Hospitals Week 2020 Social Media Metrics

Women’s Health Month-Week 2020 Social Media Metrics

STC-STW_Cancer Survivor Month_June 2020

STC-STW Cancer Radio:

Web Banner results March 2021

PSA results Feb 11 through Mar 31 2021

Current News

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Erin VanDyke Appointed as VP of NBCA’s VTE Centers of Excellence™

The National Blood Clot Alliance, the nation’s leading patient advocacy organization dedicated to advancing the prevention, early diagnosis, and successful …

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Introducing the NBCA Advocacy Institute

To put an end to the 100,000 deaths each year to blood clots, the National Blood Clot Alliance is accelerating…

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Advancing blood clot awareness, prevention, diagnosis, and successful treatments to #stoptheclot.

💞 Happy Matchmaker Day! Today, we’re celebrat

💞 Happy Matchmaker Day! Today, we’re celebrating all kinds of matches—especially the ones that can make a difference!

Did you know that many employers offer donation matching programs? By taking a few moments to check if your employer matches donations, you could double the impact of your gift to the National Blood Clot Alliance.

Why it matters:

- Double the support: Every dollar you donate could be matched by your employer, meaning more resources for raising awareness and saving lives.

- Easy and impactful: It’s a simple way to make your contribution go even further, without any extra cost to you.

👉 Take action: Use the link in bio to see if your employer has a matching gifts program. Simply check the box next to "Would you like your employer to match?" to search the database of eligible companies.

If so, after submitting your donation, you’ll automatically receive an email with the instructions to submit your match request to your employer. It’s that easy!

#stoptheclot #nationalmatchmakerday #corporatematchingprogram #donationmatch #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #bloodclotsurvivor #donate

Did you know that blood clot risk factors are as d

Did you know that blood clot risk factors are as diverse as the populations they affect?

From genetics to environmental conditions, social determinants of health, and even the impact of climate change— each factor plays a crucial role in determining blood clot risks, but they don't affect everyone the same way.

On Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. we’re diving deep into how these varied factors influence blood clot risks across different populations. Whether you're personally affected or simply want to learn more, this PEP Talk is a must-attend!

💡 Why attend?

- Understand how genetic predispositions can increase clotting risks.

- Learn how environmental and social determinants of health contribute to disparities.

- Explore the surprising connection between climate change and blood clots.

- Get expert insights that could help you or your loved ones stay informed and protected.

Don’t miss this chance to empower yourself with knowledge! Join us for this informative session. Register at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #peptalk #socialdeterminantsofhealth #bloodclotriskfactors #knowyourrisk #climatechange #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation

"On January 28, 2024, I took a hard fall and I tho

"On January 28, 2024, I took a hard fall and I thought I just pulled my calf. I elevated my leg, iced it, applied heat, and continued working out three to four times a week.

By February, my left calf had swollen up. I thought maybe I had sprained it so I used the massage chairs and foam roller at the gym, but nothing was helping. My calf started to feel heavy. This started to worry me, as my aunt had passed away years ago from a pulmonary embolism.

My husband convinced me to go to urgent care. The doctor was a little concerned with the swelling but was confused that I didn’t have excruciating pain. They drew blood and gave me a D-dimer test, which indicated a blood clot was likely.

I was told to go to the emergency room immediately. I was so nervous as I had flashbacks of what happened to my aunt. At the ER, they took another blood test and confirmed my clot, but unfortunately, they didn’t have an ultrasound tech and told me that I would have to come in the following morning to get an ultrasound of my left leg.

They did inject me with a blood thinner in my stomach because they were very sure that I had blood clots, but they sent me home. The next morning I came in for an ultrasound and found that I had two blood clots: one in my popliteal vein and the other in my posterior tibial vein. They sent me back to the emergency room where I was prescribed rivaroxaban and compression socks.

On March 20, I was at work and started to feel excruciating pain on the top of my left foot and my pulse kept racing. I went to the ER and they found a tiny PE. They told me to continue on rivaroxaban and check in if anything got worse. I still have swelling in my leg but I remain active and positive!"

Read more stories at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #stoptheclotstory #bloodclots #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodclotpatient #bloodclotawareness #dvt #deepveinthrombosis #pe #pulmonaryembolism #bloodthinners #knowyourrisk

🩸 Blood clot survivors, we want to hear your st

🩸 Blood clot survivors, we want to hear your story! 🩸

Your journey is powerful. By sharing your experience, you help raise awareness, provide support, and offer hope to those who are facing similar challenges. Every story matters!

🗣️ Why share?

- Raise awareness: Help others recognize the signs and risks of blood clots.

- Inspire others: Your story could be the beacon of hope someone needs.

- Build community: Connect with fellow survivors and create a supportive network.

- Heal: A blood clot can be emotionally devastating. Writing and sharing your story can help you process your experience.

Share your story at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodclotpatient #bloodclotstory #bloodclotawareness #pesurvivor #dvtsurvivor #bloodcloteducation

If you have an Olympic-sized void in your life now

If you have an Olympic-sized void in your life now that the 2024 Paris Summer Games are over, take heart. The 2024 Paralympic Games kicked off yesterday and run until Sept. 8, showcasing incredible athletes from around the world. They have overcome immense challenges and are setting new standards of excellence.

We’re in awe of these athletes, including those who have triumphed over blood clots (clockwise):

Tatyana McFadden (US, wheelchair track and field): Widely regarded as the fastest woman in the world, Tatyana returned to racing after overcoming DVTs in 2017 and now serves as team captain.

Alexa Leary (Australia, swimming): In 2023, this triathlete crashed her bike while and sustained multiple injuries, including blood clots and a severe traumatic brain injury. Incredibly, she returned to competitive swimming less than a year later.

Courtney Ryan (US, wheelchair basketball): A college soccer star, Courtney suffered a spinal cord injury caused by a blood clot in 2010. After recovering, she was introduced to wheelchair basketball and quickly excelled in the sport.

Bruna Alexandre (Brazil, table tennis): Bruna, who lost her right arm due to a blood clot as an infant, made history as the first Brazilian to compete in both the Olympics and Paralympics.

Join us in cheering on these extraordinary athletes as they compete on the world stage!

Listen to Tatyana’s inspiring story on our podcast at the link in bio!

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #paralympics #2024paralympicgames #paris2024 #tatyanamcfadden #brunaalexandre #alexaleary #courtneyryan #bloodclotsurvivor @bruninha_alexandre @courtneyryan_55 @tatyanamcfaddenusa @alexa_leary

As the fall semester gets underway, it's the perfe

As the fall semester gets underway, it's the perfect time to make informed decisions about your health. If you're considering birth control, it's essential to understand that options containing estrogen — including the pill, patch, or ring — carry an increased risk of developing blood clots, especially for individuals with additional risk factors, such as:

- Smoking: Women who smoke (especially those 35 and older) face a significantly higher risk of blood clots.
- Overweight: Excess weight can contribute to a heightened risk.
- Family history: A family history of blood clots may increase your likelihood of experiencing them.
- Prolonged immobility: Long periods of inactivity, such as during travel or after surgery, can raise the risk of blood clot formation.

Given these risks, it's important to consider safer alternatives. Non-hormonal methods, such as condoms or copper IUDs, offer effective birth control without the added risk of blood clots. Progestin-only options, like the newly available over-the-counter Opill, also will not increase the risk of developing a blood clot.

Choosing the right birth control is a deeply personal decision. It's essential for individuals with a personal or family history of blood clots to discuss their specific medical history with a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and guidance on the most suitable birth control options that balance contraceptive effectiveness with safety regarding clotting risks.

Complete the women’s risk assessment at the link in bio and share the results with your healthcare provider to aid in this decision.

Stay informed and make the best choice for your health!

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #birthcontrol #opill #estrogenfreepill #bloodclotprevention #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotprevention #knowyourrisk #bloodclotriskfactors

"After 20+ hours of flights from Bali to Oregon, I

"After 20+ hours of flights from Bali to Oregon, I was dehydrated from severe 'Bali Belly.' I felt a cramp in my calf several hours after landing. Over the next two days, the pain and tenderness escalated sharply and spread throughout my lower leg. As a former ultramarathon runner, it felt like I’d raced 50 kilometers uphill on that leg.

Suspecting DVT, I went to urgent care, where my heart rate was recorded at 136. They sent me to the ER, where scans confirmed I had both deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in my calf and a pulmonary embolism (PE). Doctors believe dehydration combined with the long flight triggered this. I’m now on apixaban for six months.

I coach indoor cycling and was told not to cycle for an unspecified time. So I coach off the bike. Also, I can’t get a full body massage or chiropractic care for now. I’m also worried about getting another PE, but I can only control so much.

I have gotten so much conflicting advice from doctors and nurses. It’s frustrating. The NBCA patient community is empowering! Thank you!

My advice is to connect with others with these conditions, gather as much information as possible to empower yourself so you and your doctor(s) can make the best decisions together."

Read more stories at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #travel #balibelly #dehydration #deepvein thrombosis #dvt #pulmonaryembolism #pe #bloodclotawareness #travel #bloodthinners

Did you know that World Thrombosis Day takes place

Did you know that World Thrombosis Day takes place every year on October 13 to turn the world’s attention to blood clots?

Blood clots can be fatal, but they are also preventable. Help us spread awareness by participating in NBCA’s fifth annual virtual Fun Run between October 11-14 to commemorate World Thrombosis Day.

Here are the details:

- Virtual walk/run celebrating World Thrombosis Day
- Pick your distance: 10K, 5K, or a 1-mile course
- Registration is $30
- Complete the course of your choosing anytime between October 11-14

Super-charge your impact by creating your own fundraising page and encouraging people in your life to support you. All registrations and donations are 100% tax-deductible!

Register at the link in bio!

#stoptheclot #worldthrombosisday #wtd #funrun #nbcafunrun #charityrun #bloodclotawareness #racetostoptheclot #bloodclotprevention

The New York Marathon is less than three months aw

The New York Marathon is less than three months away and training for Team Stop the Clot runners is in full swing! As the November 3 race date draws near, we’re showcasing each of the remarkable individuals who will run the iconic 26.2 miles in support of NBCA.

“This year, I will run alongside my best friends Hilary and Emily in memory of Hilary's dad, Mike, who died recently of a pulmonary embolism. I hope that my fundraising not only helps raise money to prevent and treat blood clots, but also raise awareness about this cause. Mike's passing had a profound impact on so many of us, and I sincerely hope that I can help prevent another family from enduring such a devastating loss.”

Support Kalie’s marathon fundraiser for NBCA at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #teamstoptheclot #nycmarathon #charityrace #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #pulmonaryembolism #bloodclots @nycmarathon @teamstoptheclot

🐾 Happy National Dog Day! 🐶 In honor of Nat

🐾 Happy National Dog Day! 🐶

In honor of National Dog Day, we’re sharing a heartwarming story that shows just how incredible dogs can be.

Meet Vaughn Marshall, a 48-year-old from Melbourne, Australia who’s calling his dog Luna his lifesaver. Last week, after a routine walk, Vaughn collapsed outside his home, struggling to breathe and unable to move. It turned out to be a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

Luna, his Jack Russell terrier, knew something was wrong. She ran from house to house, desperately searching for help. A kind neighbor spotted Luna, followed her back, and called an ambulance. Vaughn is now recovering, all thanks to Luna’s quick thinking and love.

"Who knows what the outcome might have been if Luna hadn't been there," Vaughn said.

If you have a dog who supported you during your blood clot diagnosis and recovery, we would love to hear about it! Tell us in the comments! Let’s celebrate our amazing companions together!

More about Vaughn and Luna at the link in bio!

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #nationaldogday #dogs #lifesavingdog #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotpatient #pulmonaryembolism #pe #melbourneaustralia

"My first pulmonary embolism was on August 15, 201

"My first pulmonary embolism was on August 15, 2015. I was on birth control for irregular cycles and began having pain in my lower right side, which I thought was a pulled muscle. A week after the symptoms, the pain was unbearable. I went to the ER and was diagnosed with a right lung pulmonary embolism. I had a six-month course of blood thinners and genetic blood work done which was negative for clotting disorders.

A year later, I began having terrible calf pain in my left leg. It progressed over two weeks, and I went back to the ER. An ultrasound was done on my leg, which was negative for DVT.

After about a week of barely being able to walk, I woke up on a Monday morning and knew I was dying. I felt an intense sense of doom. My oxygen was 87, and I could not breathe. Back to the hospital I went. This time, after another ultrasound, the nurse entered my room with a bag of heparin. I stared at it in disbelief. I was told a week earlier nothing was wrong. But something was wrong — I had a DVT.

A few hours later, the doctor ordered a chest CT, where my worst nightmare came true. I wasn't merely suffering a DVT, but also a pulmonary saddle pulmonary embolism. The DVT had broken free and traveled.

I lay in bed while cardiologists, pulmonologists, and surgeons debated whether to leave the massive clot intact to dissolve or do surgery to burst it. They decided to leave it intact.

Two weeks later, I had more genetic blood testing done, where it was discovered that I have three genetic factors. I am so lucky and so grateful to be alive. I have a hematologist whom I trust and who went the extra mile to dig into my issue and get to the root of my problem. I am now a lifer on blood thinners.

Please, and I can't stress this enough, be your own advocate. Only you can truly look out for yourself. Know the signs, and get help. I took medical professionals’ diagnoses at face value and walked out of the hospital knowing something was wrong. They couldn't find a clot, which was there all along, and it was the closest to death I've come. Love yourself. Use your voice."

Read more patient stories at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #stoptheclotstory #bloodclots

FUN Friday Announcement! It's time to rally togeth

FUN Friday Announcement! It's time to rally together and help raise awareness about blood clots.

The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) is thrilled to announce the fifth annual Race to Stop the Clot Fun Run in honor of World Thrombosis Day on October 13. Join us to help bring more attention to this often preventable health condition that affects 900,000 Americans each year.

Here are the details:

- Virtual walk/run celebrating World Thrombosis Day
- Pick your distance: 10K, 5K, or a 1-mile course
- Registration is $30
- Complete the course of your choosing anytime between October 11-14

You can make an even greater impact by creating your own fundraising race page. Together we can tackle thrombosis head-on. And remember, all registrations and donations are 100% tax-deductible!

Register at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #worldthrombosisday #wtd #funrun #nbcafunrun #charityrun #bloodclotawareness #racetostoptheclot #bloodclotprevention #funrunfriday

"In April 2023, I had a spontaneous seizure at wor

"In April 2023, I had a spontaneous seizure at work. I was taken to the hospital and stayed for 10 days.

On day 8, I had a lumbar puncture (also known as a spinal tap) to try and find the cause of the seizure. The following day, I woke up with an intense, sharp, left-sided pain. When I asked the nurse about it, she said it could be a side effect of the lumbar puncture.

Following my hospital discharge, the pain intensified, feeling like a stab between each rib cage. It traveled from one rib cage to the other after a few days, and I began feeling quite breathless. My heart was pounding and I would almost choke around aerosol sprays.

These symptoms worsened over a few days and the pain was becoming unbearable. My mum took me to my general practitioner, where they put it down to the lumbar puncture and new anti-seizure medication I was prescribed — no observations were taken at all.

However, throughout that night, the pain got so unbearable that I was almost screaming in pain. I couldn't lie down or even sit still and my breathlessness was increasing so my mum took me to A&E (emergency room in the UK).

They took blood and gave me morphine to help the pain. The blood tests came back and the D-dimer was significantly raised, so they gave me enoxaparin to begin immediately and booked me in for a VQ scan the following day.

The VQ scan came back that I had multiple clots in each lung. I was then commenced on apixaban.

However, when I was 17, I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder called immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), which causes low platelet levels in the blood. The diagnosis of clots came as a big shock therefore my hematologist added some extra tests to my bloods, which is when I was also diagnosed with another autoimmune condition, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), and have recently begun on lifelong warfarin.

This has changed my life and my lifestyle hugely. If something doesn't feel right then it most likely isn't! You know your body better than anyone else, so if you aren't happy with the answers then keep pushing! It could save your life."

Read more patient stories at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot

We’re thrilled to announce that Erin VanDyke, PA

We’re thrilled to announce that Erin VanDyke, PA-C, MPAS has joined the National Blood Clot Alliance as vice president of our newly formed NBCA VTE Centers of Excellence.

Erin brings two decades of clinical experience to NBCA. She is also a board-certified physician assistant specializing in interventional radiology for blood clot patients. In her previous role, Erin collaborated as a member of a nationally recognized multidisciplinary VTE team, making her a valuable addition to NBCA.

As lead of the Centers of Excellence program, Erin will use her programmatic and clinical expertise to establish a national network of medical centers and hospitals that deliver a patient-centered approach to VTE care.

Welcome, Erin!

Read more at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #centersofexcellence #bloodclotcare #bloodclotadvocacy #bloodclotrecovery #bloodclotprevention

🎙️ The Season 1 finale of Taking a Breath: A

🎙️ The Season 1 finale of Taking a Breath: A Stop the Clot podcast is now available on all major podcast platforms!

In this episode, hear from Todd Robertson, patient liaison and board member at NBCA and co-host of this podcast. Todd recently suffered his seventh DVT.

“I’m always going to have to manage blood clots, and I can share that education and awareness with other people. But we have to make sure people are listening,” Todd says in the episode. “So I need to make sure I’m around and as healthy as possible because I want people to see that there is hope even though you’re going through this. It doesn’t mean life is over.”

Listen to Todd’s inspiring story at the link in bio or wherever you get your podcasts.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #takingabreath #bloodclotpodcast #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #deepveinthrombosis #dvt #bloodclotsurvivor

"In October 2017, I had a long day working behind

"In October 2017, I had a long day working behind my desk and had not gotten up or hydrated much. After about 10 hours, I headed straight to a volleyball game as I played in a league.

Midway through the game, I experienced a sharp, painful cramp in my right calf that would not subside. I could barely walk but managed to finish playing the game. Over the next two days, I limped around and finally decided to go to the emergency room. I assumed it was a strain or torn muscle.

I asked the ER doctor if it could be a blood clot and he said it was very unlikely. They did not even test for it and diagnosed me with a muscle strain. I was about to be discharged when the nurse noticed there was no color in my right foot.

My D-dimer was high, so they did an ultrasound of my right calf where they discovered the clot. I was prescribed blood thinners and sent on my way.

Approximately one week later, I was driving when suddenly I felt like everything was closing in on me, and I could not breathe. I instantly knew to stay calm and pray!

I called 9-1-1 and they transported me to the hospital where they discovered by CT that I had a pulmonary embolism. I stayed in the hospital for a week on a heparin drip. All genetic testing was negative. My assumption was it was due to sitting all day and dehydration.

Recently, I was diagnosed with venous insufficiency. I question whether the clot caused the vascular issue or if I had a vascular issue that caused the clot. Hopefully, I will be able to get answers.

I suffer from health anxiety and PTSD since this ordeal. I have even gone to the hospital on several occasions, fearing another clot. I am taking steps to heal my body, mind, and spirit. It’s a journey!"

Read more stories at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #pulmonaryembolism #pe #deepveinthrombosis #dvt #venousinsufficiency #chronicvenousinsufficiency #cvi #bloodclotsurvivor #bloodclotpatient #bloodclotawareness

The New York Marathon is less than three months aw

The New York Marathon is less than three months away and training for Team Stop the Clot runners is in full swing! As the November 3 race date draws near, we’re showcasing each of the remarkable individuals who will run the iconic 26.2 miles in support of NBCA.

Darren Triller, director of strategic initiatives at the Anticoagulation Forum, has collaborated with NBCA in the fight against blood clots for nearly 20 years, including joining our advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and a term on the Medical and Scientific Advisory Board. Darren is running the New York Marathon in memory of Leschel Brooks.

Leschel was 32 and living in Brooklyn when she suffered a pulmonary embolism and died in September 2020, leaving behind a 12-year-old daughter and a brokenhearted family.

Following Leschel’s tragic passing, her mother, Arshell Brooks-Harris, became involved with NBCA and now serves as board secretary.

“My daughter was beautiful inside and out. She had a heart of gold, an infectious smile, and her presence lit up a room. She was always willing to help anyone if she could. She was the type of friend and confidante that anyone would be proud to have,” Arshell says.

Darren’s friendship with Arshell isn’t his only personal connection with blood clots — his niece nearly died from a PE at age 21.

Darren is more than halfway to his goal of raising $5,000 for NBCA in memory of Leschel and everyone who has been affected by blood clots.

“I want to increase awareness and raise funds for NBCA. I also want to add to the legislative momentum we’re seeing,” Darren says.

To support Darren’s fundraiser: https://donate.stoptheclot.org/fundraiser/5467670

@shelly_shell69 #stoptheclot #teamstoptheclot #nycmarathon #tcsnycmarathon #nycmarathon2024 #bloodclots #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation #bloodclotprevention

Today is National Patient Advocacy Day, a time to

Today is National Patient Advocacy Day, a time to recognize the vital role that advocacy plays in the diagnosis and treatment of blood clots.

When patients advocate for themselves in medical settings, they take an active role in their care, ensuring that their needs, preferences, and rights are respected.

Self-advocacy is not just about speaking up, it’s about taking control of your health, building strong relationships with your healthcare providers, and ensuring that your voice is heard every step of the way.

In some cases, patients may choose to work with a patient advocate to help navigate the complexities of the healthcare system.

Patient advocates are available through hospitals, insurance companies, and private hire, as well as through nonprofit organizations, community health centers, and other services. Their qualifications can vary, but those who are board-certified by the Patient Advocate Certification Board have undergone specialized training to provide expert assistance.

These professionals are equipped with the skills and knowledge to support patients in various ways, ensuring that their medical, legal, and personal needs are met throughout their healthcare journey.

Fees for independent patient advocates vary, but many insurance plans also offer advocacy services at no cost. Check your individual health care plan for more information.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #nationalpatientadvocacyday #patientcare #patientadvocacy#bloodclotadvocacy #empoweringpatients #bloodclotpatients #bloodclotsurvivors

On Sept. 19, 2020, 32-year-old Leschel Brooks of B $On Sept. 19, 2020, 32-year-old Leschel Brooks of Brooklyn, NY died of a pulmonary embolism following an ankle fracture. Leschel’s death set her mother, Arshell Brooks-Harris, on a path of advocacy that led her to the National Blood Clot Alliance. Now, as Secretary of NBCA’s Board of Directors, Arshell is a fierce advocate for blood clot prevention and awareness. To bring more attention to blood clots, Arshell and family hosted the fourth annual blood clot awareness event in Leschel’s memory on Saturday, Aug. 17 at Commodore Barry Park in Brooklyn. Arshell and family: From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for all of the meaningful work you do to spread awareness to help Stop the Clot. @shelly_shell69 #stoptheclot #bloodclots #bloodclotfatality #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotawarenessevent #brooklyn #pulmonaryembolism #leschelbrooks #bloodcloteducation$

"I experienced my pulmonary embolism in September

"I experienced my pulmonary embolism in September 2023. Our youngest son and I had taken our older children to school, and the day went on normally.

I noticed that I was becoming easily winded while doing really simple activities. My heart rate was also high. After school, our middle child had soccer practice and sat on the field, knowing something was very wrong.

As I was on my way to the ER, I tried convincing myself that nothing was wrong and I was coming back home that night.

Everything in the ER moved quickly. EKG, bloodwork, and a CT scan later, and I was admitted with a pulmonary embolism. While being admitted, they also found a DVT in my right leg.

I was in the hospital for four days. I learned that I have protein S deficiency and I will be on a blood thinner for the rest of my life.

I didn't realize that adjusting to this new normal would be the most difficult part. After leaving the hospital the first time, I went back to the ER three more times, within a couple of months. The anxiety was extremely difficult. I was scared to be alone with our children in fear that something would happen to me.

Therapy was a huge turning point for me. I learned so much to help me work through and understand my anxiety.

Finding the National Blood Clot ALliance (NBCA) was also pivotal in my recovery. You receive an overwhelming amount of information and consult with many doctors after the initial diagnosis. Having a list of questions to ask and resources to provide information was so helpful.

My experience with blood clots has changed my life. I feel fortunate that I still have time with my favorite people. I've recently completed NBCA's Thrombassador program and I am looking forward to advocating for awareness and connecting with others going through this as well."

Read more patient stories at the link in bio.

#stoptheclot #stoptheclotstory #bloodclots #proteinsdeficiency #pulmonaryembolism #dvt #deepveinthrombosis #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotpatient #bloodclotsurvivor

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