This week, Reps. Michael C. Burgess, MD (R-TX); Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.); George F. Murphy, MD (R-NC) and Paul Tonko (D-NY) introduced a resolution for “Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Awareness Month.”
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the body, most commonly in the leg. This can lead to potentially life-threatening complications if a blood clot breaks off and travels to the lung, which is a pulmonary embolism (PE).
Awareness and education around DVT and PE are important because these conditions affect about 900,000 Americans per year. Sadly, an estimated 100,000 Americans die annually from PE. These deaths are often preventable and treatable, especially if discovered early.
The lawmakers explained why they partnered on this effort to spread the word about blood clots:
“DVT impacts nearly a million Americans each year, with close to 100,000 Americans losing their life due to a blood clot,” said Rep. Burgess. “By recognizing Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Awareness Month, we can hopefully raise awareness to help prevent further blood clot related deaths. I am grateful to Representatives Blunt Rochester, Murphy, and Tonko for partnering with me to help combat these serious health conditions and save lives.”
“Like many Americans – I’ve lost a loved one due to blood clots and this issue is deeply personal to me,” said Rep. Blunt Rochester. “That’s why I’m proud to join Rep. Burgess and my other colleagues in recognition of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Awareness Month to help raise awareness and, ultimately, save lives.”
“Almost a hundred thousand Americans lose their lives from deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism every year. This is a preventable medical condition, and recognizing Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Awareness Month will raise much-needed awareness on it,” said Rep. Murphy. “I am proud to support this resolution in an effort to educate the American people and work toward reducing the prevalence of deadly DVT and PE.”
“This issue came to my attention because of the advocacy and dedication of the family of Jennifer Luft. A beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, and niece, Jennifer lost her life in 2022 due to her condition of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism being misdiagnosed, something that is all too common in patients and particularly in young women with this condition,” said Rep. Tonko. “I’m committed to honoring Jennifer’s legacy by standing with her family and all advocates working to raise awareness about these life-threatening, but preventable blood clots. Our resolution does just that. I urge Congress to advance this resolution and help prevent another tragic death to DVT/PE.”
We deeply appreciate the action that these lawmakers have taken on behalf of blood clot patients. Together we can Stop the Clot.®
Join us in advocating for more blood clot awareness and education funding by contacting your representatives in Congress.
