WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) 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. 

“Blood clots affect hundreds of thousands of American each year,” Grassley said. “While these conditions can be life threatening, they are preventable and treatable. I encourage all Americans to know the risk factors and take the necessary steps to prevent blood clots and preserve their health.” 

“I’m proud the Senate has unanimously passed our bipartisan resolution recognizing March as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism Awareness Month,” Luján said. “As a stroke survivor, I know how important it is to work to raise public awareness about reducing your risk to serious health events. DVT is preventable and with continued public awareness of prevention measures and knowledge of the signs and symptoms of blood clots people can escape the serious health consequences of DVT and pulmonary embolism like stroke."

“I want to thank Senators Grassley and Luján for their bipartisan leadership in raising awareness of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism for the third straight year,” said Des Moines resident Todd Robertson, National Blood Clot Alliance Patient Liaison and member of their Board of Directors. “I am passionate about raising awareness of the risk of blood clots, as someone who has suffered from six blood clots, including a close call with pulmonary embolism. Right now, only 6 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.” 

Read the full resolution HERE. 

Background 

DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the body, most commonly in the lower leg, thigh or pelvis. 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 approximately 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 is critical to prevent serious complications. Iowans who wish to learn more should visit StopTheClot.org, hosted by the National Blood Clot Alliance. 

Grassley recently 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. See photo HERE. 

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