Download photo with Todd Robertson HERE

WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) welcomed unanimous Senate passage of their resolution designating March as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE) Awareness Month. Grassley spoke on the Senate floor today to raise awareness about the issue and to highlight the work of Des Moines resident Todd Robertson, the National Blood Clot Alliance’s Patient Liaison.

 “We want to bring attention to the fact that this health problem affects about 900,000 Americans and contributes to 10 billion dollars in medical costs annually. While blood clots can be life-threatening, they are preventable and treatable. I’m thankful that Des Moines, Iowa, resident Todd Robertson is working on this issue and was in my office yesterday to discuss what can be done even beyond passing this resolution,” Grassley said.

“This is a deeply personal issue for me, and as someone who understands what it’s like to lose a loved one to blood clots, I am passionate about empowering Americans to know the signs and symptoms of this condition. No family should experience what mine and so many others have had to go through. This resolution is a first step to encouraging awareness, advocacy, and action on blood clots so that they know how to get help before it’s too late. I am grateful to Senators Grassley and Luján for joining me in this effort and proud that the resolution passed overwhelmingly,” Blunt Rochester said.

“Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) affects millions of Americans each year and claims thousands of lives from blood clots associated with the condition. Early detection and prevention are crucial in reducing the devastating impact of these conditions. By raising awareness of DVT and Pulmonary Embolism, we can help prevent complications and save lives," Luján said. 

 “During DVT and Pulmonary Embolism Awareness Month, it’s critical we share information regarding the serious risks associated with these conditions. After practicing medicine for over 25 years, I have a deep understanding of the devastating effects of blood clots. By increasing awareness and encouraging early detection, we can empower Americans at risk to take proactive steps in preventing these potentially fatal conditions and ultimately save lives,” Marshall said.

 “I want to thank Senators Grassley, Blunt Rochester, Marshall and Luján for their bipartisan leadership in raising awareness of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism for the third straight year. I am passionate about raising awareness of the risk of blood clots, as someone who has suffered from seven blood clots, including a close call with pulmonary embolism. Right now, only six percent of Americans know what a blood clot is, so it is critical that more Americans become aware of their risks and take steps to prevent and treat blood clots, which can be life-threatening,” said Des Moines resident Todd Robertson, a National Blood Clot Alliance Patient Liaison and Board of Directors member.

Read the full resolution HERE.

Background:

DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the body, such as the arm, abdomen, around the brain and, most commonly, in the leg. The most serious complication of DVT is PE, in which a part of the clot breaks off, travels through the bloodstream and causes a blockage in the lungs.

DVT and PE affect as many as 900,000 Americans every year. Age, pregnancy or chronic illness can increase the risk of developing DVT. Leading an active lifestyle, eating a balanced diet and frequently moving to enhance the body’s blood flow can help prevent DVT and PE from occurring. Early detection and diagnosis of DVT and PE are critical to prevent serious complications. Iowans can learn more by visiting StopTheClot.org, hosted by the National Blood Clot Alliance.

Grassley received the 2023 Congressional Blood Clot Champion Award from the National Blood Clot Alliance for his efforts to raise public awareness around DVT and PE.

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