Home / Events / Building a VTE Center of Excellence: Standards, Strategy, and System-Wide Impact

Building a VTE Center of Excellence: Standards, Strategy, and System-Wide Impact

Building a VTE Center of Excellence: Standards, Strategy, and System-Wide Impact

Date: March 25, 2026

Join us for an in-depth overview of the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) VTE Centers of Excellence (COE) Program, featuring program VP, Erin VanDyke, PA-C, MPAS and interventional radiologist at NBCA’s inaugural COE, Michael Knox, M.D., FACR.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains a leading cause of preventable hospital-related illness and death. This webinar will highlight the COE program’s standards and designation criteria, key components of high-performing VTE programs, and practical strategies for building sustainable, system-wide approaches to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

Designed for healthcare providers and hospital administrators, this session will offer actionable guidance on strengthening VTE initiatives, improving quality and safety outcomes, positioning your organization as a leader in comprehensive thrombosis care, and how to become a VTE Center of Excellence.

Current News

ok3

Legislative Update: Blake Burgess Act Advances in Oklahoma

We are pleased to share that House Bill 3644 (HB 3644), the “Blake Burgess Act,” passed through the House yesterday.…

Get the full story »

Breaking News Instagram Post (2)

National Blood Clot Alliance Applauds New Multi-Society Clinical Guidelines for Acute Pulmonary Embolism

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) celebrates a landmark moment in cardiovascular health as the American Heart Association…

Get the full story »

Get more news »

Follow us on Instagram

stoptheclot

Advancing blood clot awareness, prevention, diagnosis & treatments to #stoptheclot. Submit your story @ link below ⬇️ Our podcast: Taking a Breath 🎙️

A big thank you to Inquis Medical for going all in

A big thank you to Inquis Medical for going all in on the 100,000 Reasons Challenge this Blood Clot Awareness Month.

They sponsored registration for every employee on their team to participate — helping raise awareness while honoring the nearly 100,000 Americans who die from blood clots each year.

Movement. Awareness. Community. This is exactly what the challenge is about.

💡 Do you think your workplace or company would sponsor a team to participate?

Many organizations support employee wellness initiatives, and the 100,000 Reasons Challenge is a simple way to bring teams together for a meaningful cause.

Walk, run, ride, or roll — every mile helps raise awareness and save lives.

🔗 https://bit.ly/100kReasons2026

Breaking news from Oklahoma! Today, House Bill 36

Breaking news from Oklahoma!

Today, House Bill 3644, the “Blake Burgess Act,” passed through the House. This life-saving legislation now moves to the Senate, with the goal of reaching Governor Stitt’s desk to be signed into law.

This bill is named in memory of Blake Burgess, who tragically passed away at age 21 due to a pulmonary embolism. With better awareness and standardized screening protocols, many of these cases are preventable. We appreciate the Burgess family for their advocacy and dedication to ensuring no other family faces this same loss.

Following the 2025 Emily Adkins Family Prevention Act, this marks another critical step in the national movement to improve blood clot prevention and care. The bill establishes key safety standards, including:
- Proactive VTE protocols in hospitals and surgical centers.
- Mandatory staff training on prevention and symptom recognition.
- A new statewide VTE registry to track data and improve patient outcomes.

A huge thank you to Rep. Preston Stinson, Sen. Kelly Hines, and Rep. Nick Archer for championing this vital cause. Onward to the Senate!

#BlakeBurgessAct #PatientSafety #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #OklahomaLegislature

At 20 years old and 29 weeks pregnant, Olivia went

At 20 years old and 29 weeks pregnant, Olivia went to the ER four times in seven days with severe back and leg pain. She was told it was muscular pain. Then a kidney stone. Then sciatica.

Two days later, she was wheeled back in. Her legs were purple. Her ankles were swollen. The pain ran from her ankles to her back.

A repeat scan revealed extensive DVT — her entire right leg filled with blood clots.

She was hospitalized from February 12 until she delivered on April 4. During that time, she developed another clot in her opposite leg and was transferred out of state to deliver safely. She spent her 21st birthday in the hospital.

Her baby was born with minor complications — but they both survived.

Today, she is one year post-clot survival and expecting again, this time with a proactive treatment plan in place.

Her message:
“Listen to your body. Even if you aren’t sure. Even if you’re told it’s nothing. Ask again. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

Because here’s the truth:
Asking questions is not overreacting.
Going back to the ER is not being dramatic.
Advocating for yourself is not being difficult.

It is being #StrongEnoughToAsk

Read her full story: https://www.stoptheclot.org/patient-stories/

#StopTheClot #BloodClotAwareness #DVT #Pregnancy #KnowTheSigns #PatientStory #BCAM2026 #StrongEnoughToAsk

Being diagnosed with a blood clot can be scary and

Being diagnosed with a blood clot can be scary and confusing.

We can help you navigate that.

📅 Join us Tuesday, March 10 at 7 p.m. ET for a special PEP Talk designed for those who are newly diagnosed or still learning about life after a clot.

Our featured medical expert, Diane Wirth, MSN, ANP-BC, CACP, and member of NBCA’s Medical & Scientific Advisory Board, will guide you through what to expect and how to move forward with confidence.

During this PEP Talk, you’ll learn:
- What to expect after a blood clot diagnosis and common challenges patients face.
- Essential steps for effective self-care and risk reduction.
- How to navigate medical terminology, medications, and follow-up care.
- Where to find reliable resources and build a supportive care network.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or supporting a loved one, this PEP Talk is designed to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

👉 Register for this live event, here : https://bit.ly/Mar2026PEPTalk
or click the link in our bio.

Do you have questions that you would like to be answered during this session? Submit them during registration, or send them here: PEPquestions@stoptheclot.org

#StopTheClot #BloodClot #VTE #NewDiagnosis #BloodClotAwareness #PulmonaryEmbolism

Blood clots are a public health crisis—yet aware

Blood clots are a public health crisis—yet awareness remains dangerously low.

Every year in the U.S.:
🔴 900,000 people are affected by blood clots (DVT/PE).
⚠️ 100,000 lives are lost—more than breast cancer, HIV, and car crashes combined.

Despite these staggering numbers, many people don’t know the signs and symptoms of blood clots until it’s too late.

Advocating for national awareness and federal funding for blood clots is a complex process that requires efforts at the federal, state, and local levels. That’s why we need YOUR help!

Here are two powerful ways you can get involved:
1. Advocate for Federal Funding – Your voice can make a significant impact. Help secure critical funding by reaching out to your local Congressional representatives and pushing for support for blood clot prevention and education funding. A huge thank you to all who have already submitted requests—let’s keep the momentum going! Take action here https://bit.ly/ClotAdvocate2026 (or at link in bio).
2. Submit a Request for a State Proclamation – Advocate for your state to declare March as Blood Clot Awareness Month and raise awareness right where you live. Remember, these proclamations are valid for only one year, so they must be requested and renewed annually in each state. We need your help to ensure every state is involved! ➡️ Visit your Governor’s official website and search ‘proclamation request’ to get started. Email [advocacy@stoptheclot.org](mailto:advocacy@stoptheclot.org) for assistance on getting BCAM recognized in your state.

Too many lives are being lost unnecessarily from this silent killer. By making blood clot awareness a priority at the state and federal levels, we can drive education, encourage early detection, and save lives.

#stoptheclot #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #BCAM2026 #bloodcloteducation #bloodclotprevention #stateresolutions

Blood clot awareness month is here! Today begins o

Blood clot awareness month is here!
Today begins our 31 day challenge to get active, track your steps, raise funds, and spread awareness.

It's not too late to sign up as a participant or simply as a supporter.
👉 Sign up today at https://bit.ly/100kReasons2026 (or in the link in our bio)

Every move and donation you make helps remember the 100,000 lives lost each year to blood clots. Plus, your registration is 100% tax-deductible.

#stoptheclot #vte #bloodclots #BCAM2026 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth2026 #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotpatient #bloodclotsurvivor #strongenoughtoask

1️⃣ One day until BCAM. 100,000 reasons to mov

1️⃣ One day until BCAM. 100,000 reasons to move with purpose.
Tomorrow we begin the 100,000 Reasons Challenge — moving together to honor the 100,000 Americans who die each year from blood clots, many of them preventable.

Move for remembrance.
Move for awareness.
Move for your physical and mental health.
Move so fewer lives are lost.

Join us for 31 days of movement to help prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism — and to honor those we've lost.

⏳ Early registration pricing ends tonight at 11:59 p.m.
👉 Sign up today at https://bit.ly/100kReasons2026 (or in the link in our bio)

#stoptheclot #vte #bloodclots #BCAM2026 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth2026 #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotpatient #bloodclotsurvivor

What started as a sudden “charley horse” in he

What started as a sudden “charley horse” in her left arm quickly became discoloration, stiffness, and a lump she couldn’t ignore. Trusting her instincts (and having a doctor who listened) led to a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) caused by Factor V Leiden, an inherited blood clotting condition her family didn’t even know they carried.

Today, she’s back to living a full college life and hopes to become a pharmacist — but her story is a powerful reminder: blood clots don’t always look the way we expect, and speaking up about symptoms can save a life.

Know the signs. Trust your body. Seek care when something feels wrong.

Read the full story, more stories from patients and families, and share your own experience here:
https://www.stoptheclot.org/patient-stories/
or find the link in our bio

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClotAwareness #DVT #FactorVLeiden #PatientStories #BloodClotSurvivor @rachtrevino

Blood Clot Awareness Month starts in just 2 days!

Blood Clot Awareness Month starts in just 2 days!

We created the 100,000 Reasons Challenge to encourage healthy physical activity, which can help to prevent pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis, and to honor the 100,000 Americans who die every year from these often preventable conditions.

The challenge kicks off March 1, so sign up and let’s make every move count!

👉 Sign up today to secure your registration before prices increase after February 28, 2026 at 11:59pm EST.

💜 New this year: If you want to support without tracking your miles, you can still make a powerful impact by fundraising, sharing resources, and cheering others on.

Sign Up: https://bit.ly/100kReasons2026
or find the link in our bio

#stoptheclot #BloodClotAwarenessMonth2026 #100KReasonsChallenge2026 #bloodclotawareness #BCAM2026 #strongenoughtoask

Just 3 more days until Blood Clot Awareness Month!

Just 3 more days until Blood Clot Awareness Month! Are you ready?

Here are 3 simple ways to prepare for BCAM:

1️⃣ Download the BCAM Toolkit – Get resources, graphics, and ideas to help you spread awareness.

2️⃣Join the 100,000 Reasons Challenge – Move with purpose and help us honor the 100,000 Americans who die every year from blood clots.

3️⃣Learn & share the signs and symptoms – Awareness saves lives.

Every share, step, and conversation brings us closer to preventing blood clots.

Get started today: https://bit.ly/BCAM2026
or find the link in our bio.

#stoptheclot #bloodclots #BCAM2026 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth2026 #StrongEnoughToAsk

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️Season 3, Episod

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️Season 3, Episode 6 of Taking a Breath: A Stop the Clot podcast is now available on all major podcast platforms.

In this episode, listeners hear from travel blogger Sherry Ott, a blood clot survivor who discovered a pulmonary embolism after extensive travel.

Days later, she learned she had THREE pulmonary embolisms in her lung.

In this conversation, Sherry shares how easily the symptoms were missed, how quickly the situation became serious, and what she wishes travelers knew about blood clot risks during long periods of sitting — on planes, trains, or even road trips.

https://www.stoptheclot.org/podcast/

@Ottsworld
#BloodClotAwareness #PulmonaryEmbolism #stoptheclot #WomensHealth #KnowTheSigns

FIVE days until Blood Clot Awareness Month. Are yo

FIVE days until Blood Clot Awareness Month. Are you ready to move with purpose?
Join the 100,000 Reasons Challenge — run, walk, or ride to honor the 100,000 Americans who die from blood clots each year and help raise awareness about signs, symptoms, and prevention.

Movement is one powerful way to reduce the risk of blood clots like pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis.
This Blood Clot Awareness Month, we’re #StrongEnoughtoAsk — and strong enough to take action for our health.

Join the 100,000 Reasons Challenge: [bit.ly/100kReasons2026](https://bit.ly/100kReasons2026)
or find the link in our bio

#stoptheclot #vte #bloodclots #BCAM2026 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth2026 #StrongEnoughToAsk #100KReasonsChallenge #100KReasonsChallenge2026 #RaceToStopTheClot #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotpatient #bloodclotsurvivor #pulmonaryembolism

"I experienced death because of my pulmonary embol

"I experienced death because of my pulmonary embolism.”
"Doctors ordered for me to get a chest scan and there it showed I had suffered two blood clots in each lung. I was put on blood thinners and went through surgery to where doctors put a filter inside my chest. I had to learn to be stable and walk normal or else I couldn’t be released. Thankfully two weeks after I was released and back home. I'm blessed that I was given a second chance at life. I know I’m not alone and I can say proudly that I'm a warrior, I'm a survivor of pulmonary embolism. 🫁🩸”

Read the full story or submit your own: https://www.stoptheclot.org/patient-stories/

#StopTheClot #PulmonaryEmbolism #DeepVeinThrombosis #bloodclotsurvivor #maternalHealth

Did you know there is no dedicated federal funding

Did you know there is no dedicated federal funding for blood clot education and awareness efforts in the United States?
As we gear up for March — Blood Clot Awareness Month (BCAM) — now is the time to take action.

We are urging Congress to unlock funding for educational and awareness programs to reach more people with life saving information about blood clots, and we need your help.

All it takes is the click of a button. Click the link below (or copy it in your browser), then type in your address and zip code to share your story with your local representatives. Let your voice be heard and help save lives!

https://bit.ly/ClotAdvocate2026

#stoptheclot #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #BCAM2026 #bloodcloteducation #bloodclotprevention #stateresolutions #StrongEnoughToAsk

❤️‍🩹 A blood clot diagnosis can feel over

❤️‍🩹 A blood clot diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but support is available. Our next PEP Talk on Tuesday, March 10 at 7 p.m. ET is for people who are newly diagnosed and their loved ones who are looking for guidance, clarity, and support. We’ll cover Blood Clots 101, what to expect after a diagnosis, common challenges, and steps you can take to manage your health. You’ll also learn how to navigate medications and follow-up care, and where to find reliable resources and a supportive community.

👉 Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2417494900909/WN_BrAh0F8iTQa3tFqLGU62Ng#/registration
(or at the link in bio)

Can't make the live event? Register anyway to get the recording sent straight to your inbox.

Help us spread awareness and prevent blood clots b

Help us spread awareness and prevent blood clots by participating in our 31-day 100,000 Reasons Challenge to increase your daily miles. Every mile logged supports movement — a key way to help reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis — and honors the 100,000 Americans who lose their lives each year to these often preventable conditions.

How it works:
✔️ Choose your activity—walk, run, or ride.
✔️ Set personal mileage and fundraising goals.
✔️ Raise awareness and support life-saving education and research.

The challenge kicks off March 1—but you can set up your page and start fundraising any time. Let’s make every mile count!

👉 Sign up today at the link in bio and join us in spreading awareness by using our BCAM toolkit!
https://bit.ly/100kReasons2026

#stoptheclot #vte #bloodclots #BCAM2026 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth2026 #StrongEnoughToAsk #bloodclotawareness #bloodclotpatient #bloodclotsurvivor #pulmonaryembolism

A CT-scan revealed a massive pulmonary embolism—

A CT-scan revealed a massive pulmonary embolism—a large blood clot in Jason’s lungs. He was rushed to the cath lab in an attempt to break up the clot, but his condition rapidly declined into respiratory failure, and despite CPR, he could not be revived. His sudden death shocked the family, especially because he had not expressed any warning signs that morning. In the aftermath, questions about underlying causes led to the discovery that all three of his daughters and wife had Factor V Leiden.

His passing highlights how silently and quickly pulmonary embolisms can occur and underscores the importance of awareness, genetic risk factors, and proactive medical care. Talk to your doctor about genetic testing and be aware of the reality of blood clots, sometimes without symptoms! “Don't live in fear, but be observant and take precautions.”

Read the full story, more stories from patients and families, and share your own experience here:
https://www.stoptheclot.org/patient-stories/factor-v-leiden-and-sudden-blood-clots-jasons-story/
or find the link in our bio
Your voice could help save a life.
@jacielynnbennett
#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClotAwareness #PulmonaryEmbolism #PatientStories #Thrombectomy

Big news for the blood clot community ❤️ The

Big news for the blood clot community ❤️

The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology have released the 2026 Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Acute Pulmonary Embolism in Adults — a major step forward in improving PE diagnosis and treatment.

We’re proud that Julie Partridge, Vice Chair of the National Blood Clot Alliance Board and a PE survivor, served on the peer review committee — helping ensure the patient voice was represented.

Pulmonary embolism is a leading cause of preventable hospital death. Evidence-based, unified guidance like this saves lives.

🔗 Read more at the link in bio.

@american_heart @americancollegeofcardiology @dr_julie_partridge

#PulmonaryEmbolism #VTE #CardiovascularHealth #PatientCenteredCare #StopTheClot

March is Blood Clot Awareness Month and this year’s theme is “Strong Enough to Ask.”
It challenges the idea that strength means ignoring symptoms or pushing through discomfort. Instead, this campaign emphasizes recognizing when something doesn’t feel right, trusting your instincts, and speaking up before a blood clot becomes life-threatening.

We invite you to use our 2026 Blood Clot Awareness Month Toolkit. This toolkit is designed to meet people where they are, offering clear, practical ways to learn about blood clots and take action in support of Blood Clot Awareness Month throughout March.

You don’t need to do everything. Choose one or more ways to engage that fit your role, your time, and your comfort level — every action makes a difference.

#stoptheclot #strongenoughtoask #bloodclots #bloodclotawarenessmonth #bcam2026 #vte #dvt #pe #deepveinthrombosis #pulmonaryembolism #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation

Blood clots don’t just happen in the legs or lun

Blood clots don’t just happen in the legs or lungs.

In this clip from our recent PEP Talk, Stephan Moll explains several uncommon clot locations, including:

- Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST)
- Jugular vein clots
- Retinal vein clots
- Thoracic outlet syndrome–related arm clots
- Abdominal clots

These unusual clot locations often present with confusing or misdiagnosed symptoms — leading to delayed treatment.

In the full session, Dr. Moll also covers:
• Symptoms that are frequently overlooked
• When to push for imaging — and which tests are needed
• Risk factors for atypical clots
• How to advocate for yourself when something doesn’t feel right

🎥 Watch the full recording here: https://www.stoptheclot.org/pep-media/ (link in bio)

Awareness can make all the difference.

#bloodclot #pulmonaryembolism #bloodclotsurvivor #nbca #stoptheclot

Load More Follow on Instagram