NBCA Introduction Podcast Transcript
Hello, and welcome to the podcast of the National Blood Clot Alliance. Did you know that almost 300,000 Americans die each year from blood clots in the veins and that many of those 300,000 deaths could have been avoided if more patients and healthcare professionals knew about the risk, symptoms and treatments for venous thrombosis? Did you know that obesity, prolonged inactivity, cancer, surgery, pregnancy and even the use of oral contraceptives contribute to your risk of developing a venous blood clot?
Many Americans do not. In fact, the percentage of Americans with preexisting knowledge of deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot that forms in the deep veins of the leg), its symptoms, and associated risk factors is around 25%, meaning 75% of Americans are completely in the dark when it comes to venous blood clots. And the bad news about this lack of awareness is that only 50% of those who develop deep vein thrombosis have symptoms, making it even more difficult to diagnose and treat.
Thus, the mission of the National Blood Clot Alliance, hereby referred to as NBCA, is to prevent, diagnose and treat thrombosis and thrombophilia through education, advocacy, support and research. We believe that by raising awareness of this disease, both in the general public and among healthcare professionals, we can better protect the American people. NBCA is a patient-led advocacy organization that was founded in 2003 at a thrombosis and thrombophilia workshop at the Centers for Disease Control by patients and medical professionals who were driven by a resolve to build a national organization to advocate, educate and support those afflicted with blood clots because they themselves have been affected.
The objective of this podcast is to supply information and insight to patients with blood clots and/or hereditary thrombophilia, to medical professionals and to the general public through monthly updates in thrombosis research, prevention, diagnosis and treatment, as well as updates in hospital policy, NBCA news and upcoming events. The risk of developing a blood clot is universal. So please, join NBCA in spreading the word about the dangers of venous blood clots. Tell family and friends about their risks and tell them about NBCA. And the best place to start is at the official NBCA websitewww.stoptheclot.org.
There you can subscribe to the podcast and register to receive emails through the NBCA listserv. Through the website it is also possible to contribute a donation to NBCA or sign up to volunteer. Because NBCA is a grassroots organization volunteers are vital to its success. Whether you are a healthcare professional or a concerned community member, there are many ways for you to get involved. Volunteers may serve on the fund raising, education or communications committee or the medical/scientific advisory board. If you are interested in organizing a NBCA event in your community we are eager to help. Simply call toll free at 877 – 4 – NO CLOT. Again that is 877-466-2568.
Thank you for listening to the National Blood Clot Alliance podcast and we hope you join us to raise awareness and protect the American people against venous blood clots. And remember, patient advocacy and education is our top priority, so please inform us of any suggestions you may have to help make this podcast more educational. You can send your suggestions to NBCApodcast@gmail.com. That is spelled N-A-T-T-P-O-D-C-A-S-T@G-M-A-I-L.com. There is still much to do and NBCA greatly needs your support.
Posted November 11, 2008
