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APRIL E-NEWSLETTER | Welcome Spring

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Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Named Nation’s First Pediatric National Blood Clot Alliance VTE Center of Excellence™

A new national benchmark in pediatric venous thromboembolism (VTE) care St. Petersburg, FL – The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA)…

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Vein and Vascular Institute Named Nation’s First National Blood Clot Alliance Community DVT Excellence Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Voorhees, NJ – The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) is proud to announce the designation of Vein and…

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

Health outcomes shouldn’t depend on who you are

Health outcomes shouldn’t depend on who you are or where you live—but too often, they still do.

Some communities face higher risks, delayed diagnoses, and less access to care. This is in addition to the fact that blood clots are a leading cause of preventable hospital death in the United States.

That’s why April was designated National Minority Health Month by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Awareness is the first step. Action is what changes outcomes.

#NationalMinorityHealthMonth #HealthEquity #StopTheClot

Hazel thought she had the flu. But when she bent

Hazel thought she had the flu.

But when she bent over to take out the trash, she suddenly felt like “a ton of weights” were on her chest. Hours later, she drove herself to the ER, where a CT scan revealed a pulmonary embolism. She was immediately transferred to the ICU.

Hazel had experienced a blood clot before and has now been diagnosed with a clotting disorder. Today, she remains on lifelong blood thinners and continues to recover while navigating ongoing symptoms.

“I AM A WOMAN OF GREAT FAITH… MY FAITH IS BEING TESTED.”

Her message: don’t ignore symptoms. What feels minor could be life-threatening.

#StopTheClot #StopTheClotStory #BloodClotAwareness #PulmonaryEmbolism #ClottingDisorder #PatientStory #ListenToYourBody #WomensHealth

🩸 Blood Clot Awareness Month is almost over—b

🩸 Blood Clot Awareness Month is almost over—but this work must continue.

This March, together, we:
✔️ Reached millions through our Strong Enough to Ask campaign—including a national PSA from Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester
✔️ Supported 500+ newly diagnosed patients through our March PEP Talk
✔️ Mobilized advocates in all 50 states—sending nearly 700 messages to Congress
✔️ Met with 50+ congressional offices on Capitol Hill to push for change
✔️ Launched the Community DVT Excellence Program and designated the first site
✔️ Named the nation’s first Pediatric VTE Center of Excellence™
✔️ Reached communities nationwide through volunteer-led awareness efforts
✔️ Shared powerful patient and athlete stories to encourage self-advocacy
✔️ And so much more!

This is the impact of ONE month.

But blood clots don’t stop when March ends.
Every 6 minutes, someone in the U.S. dies from a blood clot.

If you’ve been touched by a blood clot…
If you believe this work matters…
If you’ve been thinking about giving...
This is the moment.

👉 Please consider making a donation today: bit.ly/GIVE2026 (link in bio)

#StopTheClot #StrongEnoughToAsk #BCAM2026 #BloodClots #VTE #DVT #PE

Have you or a loved one been recently diagnosed wi

Have you or a loved one been recently diagnosed with a blood clot and struggling with the emotional/psychological impact?

Join us for our April PEP Talk: Navigating Emotional Trauma Post Blood Clot: The Symptom Nobody Mentioned

PEP Talk hosts, Leslie Lake and Todd Robertson (both blood clot survivors), will be joined by Leben Tefera, MD, Staff physician, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic and member of NBCA’s Council of Emerging Researchers in Thrombosis.

Together, they’ll shed light on the emotional and psychological experiences many people face after a clot — and why acknowledging them matters.

🗓 April 14 at 7:00 pm ET
🔗 Register: https://bit.ly/AprilPEP2026

#bloodclots #pulmonaryembolism #medicalPTSD #healthanxiety #stoptheclot

🩸 A first for pediatric blood clot care 🩸 C

🩸 A first for pediatric blood clot care 🩸

Children can develop blood clots—and too often, they’re underrecognized. That’s why this matters. 👇

The National Blood Clot Alliance has named Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital the nation’s first Pediatric VTE Center of Excellence™.

💡 What this means:

• Earlier recognition of blood clots
• Coordinated, expert care
• Better outcomes for children and families

💬 “The most important thing for us was to find someone who was knowledgeable and who truly cared. To find a team of experts who not only participated in clinical research, but who also really listened to our family — it has made all the difference for Luka.”

— Emanuelle, Luka’s mother

This is more than a designation—it’s a step forward in ensuring children receive the lifesaving care they deserve.

Read more: https://bit.ly/JHACHPediatricCOE(or link in bio)

hopkinsallchildrens

#StopTheClot #PediatricBloodClots #BCAM2026 #BloodClots #dvt

March is Blood Clot Awareness Month, making it the

March is Blood Clot Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to spotlight an often overlooked but life-threatening complication in cancer care: blood clots.

Volunteer President and Board Chair of the National Blood Clot Alliance, Leslie Lake, talks about the importance of awareness, prevention, and patient education around venous thromboembolism (VTE) on the NCODA Podcast (Network for Collaborative Oncology Development & Advancement).

Her powerful personal story and advocacy work highlight what every oncology team should know to improve patient outcomes and support.

Listen to the full episode, here: https://www.ncoda.org/resource/preventing-blood-clots-in-cancer-care/

@ncodaorg
#bloodclots #oncology #pulmonaryembolism #NBCA #nationalbloodclotalliance #NCODA

Today, on National Doctors’ Day, we recognize th

Today, on National Doctors’ Day, we recognize the clinicians who go beyond treating conditions to truly *listen, learn, and partner* with patients.

“What drew me to NBCA was its unwavering commitment to placing patients at the center of everything it does,” said Dr. Rushad Patell, Chair of NBCA’s Council of Emerging Researchers in Thrombosis (CERT).

“The organization does more than raise awareness. It builds meaningful partnerships between patients, clinicians, and researchers. Since I began working with them, my own work has been truly enriched by perspectives I had not fully appreciated before.”

At NBCA, we believe better outcomes start with collaboration—and we are grateful to work alongside physicians who are committed to learning from and with the patients they serve.

Thank you for all that you do to help stop the clot. 🩸

Read the full article: https://www.rarediseaseadvisor.com/news/national-blood-clot-alliance-close-awareness-gaps-venous-thromboembolism/

#NationalDoctorsDay #StopTheClot #PatientCenteredCare #VTE #BloodClots

National Doctors' Day is celebrated annually on Ma

National Doctors' Day is celebrated annually on March 30 in the United States to recognize physicians' contributions to individual and community health.

Established officially in 1991, this day offers patients and healthcare organizations an opportunity to express gratitude for the dedication, care, and sacrifices of doctors.

On National Doctors’ Day, Tag a doctor who showed up when it mattered most, or drop a comment about your experience below.

#nationaldoctorsday #bloodclotawarenessmonth #BCAM2026 #stoptheclot #nationalbloodclotalliance #doctorswhocare

Lucy is a 3x DVT survivor. Her story started durin

Lucy is a 3x DVT survivor. Her story started during pregnancy, when warning signs were there, but attempts to get them looked into were to no avail.

After an emergency C-section, she had pain in her left leg and assumed it was related to the surgery. About a week later, it got so bad that no amount of raising it or pillows made her feel better — she was dragging her leg.

She didn’t know what a blood clot was, but she knew something was wrong.

At the hospital, she was diagnosed with a DVT, and later with Factor V Leiden and Factor II.

Her later clots didn’t look how you’d expect — no swelling, no redness, no severe pain. It just felt like she pulled a muscle.

Her message is clear: ALWAYS listen to your inner voice or intuition. Don’t wait — go directly to the emergency room.

Read her full story, here: https://www.stoptheclot.org/patient-stories/lucys-story-3/

#StopTheClot #BloodClotAwareness #DVT #FactorVLeiden #ClottingDisorder #WomensHealth #KnowYourRisk #BloodClots

Recording Available: Join us for an in-depth overv

Recording Available: 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 professionals 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.
🎥 Watch: YouTube @stoptheclot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcfk9-LEQTE

Mia never expected nausea and a strange pain in he

Mia never expected nausea and a strange pain in her chest to be signs of something life-threatening.

After being sent home from the emergency department despite severe symptoms, she trusted her instincts and sought a second opinion. A CT scan soon revealed multiple pulmonary embolisms in both of her lungs. Doctors later told her she had been a “ticking time bomb.”

Having taken the combined birth control pill for many years, Mia had no idea she could be at risk for blood clots.

Today, she is incredibly grateful to be alive and is using her experience to educate others about the importance of self-advocacy and recognizing the signs of blood clots.

“If something doesn’t feel right, advocate and seek a second opinion.”

@_banhmia
#StopTheClot #BloodClotAwareness #PulmonaryEmbolism #WomensHealth #BirthControl #PatientAdvocacy #ListenToYourBody

New research led by NBCA MASAB member Dan Witt, Ph

New research led by NBCA MASAB member Dan Witt, PharmD, FCCP, BCPS shows that with the right training and support, some patients can safely manage their own warfarin dosing—highlighting the power of patient education, self-advocacy, and shared decision-making in blood clot care.

On World Adherence Day, it’s an important reminder:
Adherence isn’t just about taking medication—it’s about understanding your treatment, staying engaged, and being an active partner in your care.

Whether your care is managed in a clinic or at home, the goal is the same: safe, consistent, and effective treatment.

Read the full article here: https://www.medpagetoday.com/cardiology/generalcardiology/120417

#stoptheclot #WorldAdherenceDay #bloodclot #pulmonaryembolism #warfarin #Coumadin

🩸 Understanding your care can save your life.

🩸 Understanding your care can save your life.

For blood clot survivors, knowing why your treatment matters makes it easier to stay on track—and staying on track can help prevent another clot.

Today is World Adherence Day (March 27), an initiative led by the World Heart Federation, and we’re highlighting the life-saving importance of sticking to your care plan. This global movement is all about empowering patients to take an active role in their health and “not miss a moment” that matters most.

Because when survivors have clear information, strong support, and open communication with their healthcare team, they’re better equipped to manage their health—and protect their future.

👉 Learn more and get involved: https://world-heart-federation.org/world-adherence-day/

Together, we can turn knowledge into action—and action into protection.

#WorldAdherenceDay #DontMissAMoment #BloodClotAwareness #StopTheClot #PatientEmpowerment #MedicationAdherence #HeartHealth #PublicHealth #NBCA @worldheartfederation

Finley was a healthy, driven high school athlete w

Finley was a healthy, driven high school athlete with big dreams — football, computer science, even teaching himself Japanese.

He had been diagnosed with Factor V Leiden, but no one explained what that meant. When he started showing symptoms like shortness of breath, high heart rate, and difficulty climbing stairs, but his symptoms were not taken seriously.

On October 1, Finley collapsed at school due to a massive saddle pulmonary embolism. He passed away days later.

His story is a reminder: blood clots don’t just affect adults—and too often, the signs are missed, especially in young athletes.

Know your family history. Recognize the symptoms. Don’t be afraid to push and question your doctors.

#StopTheClot #BloodClotAwareness #FactorVLeiden #PulmonaryEmbolism #DVT #PE #StrongEnoughToAsk #BloodClots #AthleteHealth #KnowYourRisk

Blood Clot Awareness Month is still here! This 31-

Blood Clot Awareness Month is still here! This 31-day challenge called us to get out, get active, track our steps, raise funds, and spread awareness about blood clots.

Share your progress with us and inspire others to stay healthy and stop the clot. It's also not too late to sign up 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

🩸 March is Blood Clot Awareness Month. This yea

🩸 March is Blood Clot Awareness Month. This year’s theme, “Strong Enough to Ask” is a reminder that strength isn’t ignoring symptoms—it’s trusting your instincts and speaking up when something doesn’t feel right.

👉 Swipe through for a preview of what’s inside our FREE Blood Clot Awareness Toolkit—including prevention tips, key risk factors, and ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.

🔗 Download your free toolkit: https://bit.ly/BCAM2026
(or find the link in our bio)

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

Blake Burgess was 21 years old when a blood clot t

Blake Burgess was 21 years old when a blood clot took his life. 💔

Now, Oklahoma has a chance to make sure fewer families face that same heartbreak.

HB 3644 — the Blake Burgess Blood Clot Prevention Act — has passed the House and is headed to the Senate. It would require Oklahoma hospitals to screen patients for blood clot risk and train their staff to act fast. This is how we save lives.

Oklahoma: momentum is building.

550+ letters have already been sent in support of HB 3644. Contact your State Senator and ask them to vote YES.

🔗Add your voice: http://stoptheclot.org/blake-burgess-blood-clot-bill (or link in bio)

#StopTheClot #BlakeBurgessAct #BloodClotAwareness #OklahomaHealth #HB3644 #NationalBloodClotAlliance
@oksenate

Trey Smith is a 2x Super Bowl Champion — but bef

Trey Smith is a 2x Super Bowl Champion — but before the NFL, he faced something far more life-threatening than any opponent on the field.

He couldn’t walk a few yards without struggling to breathe. Training felt different. Something wasn’t right.

Many athletes are taught to push through pain. To ignore it. To keep going.

But Trey listened to his body. He spoke up. He asked questions.

And that decision saved his life.

This Blood Clot Awareness Month, we’re sharing stories like Trey’s to remind you:
Being strong isn’t about pushing through —
it’s about knowing when to speak up.

💬 Ask when something feels off
💬 Ask about your risk
💬 Ask until you’re heard

That’s what it means to be #StrongEnoughToAsk.

Trey is using his voice to help others — and you can too.

Join the 100,000 Reasons Challenge, or support someone who is.

🚶🏽‍♂️‍➡️ Move for remembrance.
🏃🏼‍♀️ Move for awareness.
🚴🏾 Move for your physical and mental health.
🛼 Move so fewer lives are lost.

💜 Not tracking miles? You can still make a powerful impact by donating, sharing, or cheering others on.

Join or support here (link in bio):
bit.ly/100kReasons2026

@trey_smith @chiefs
#StrongEnoughToAsk #StopTheClot #KansasCityChiefs #BloodClotSurvivor #PulmonaryEmbolism #bloodclots #bloodclotawarenessmonth #bcam2026 #vte #dvt #pe #deepveinthrombosis #pulmonaryembolism #bloodclotawareness #treysmith

🚨 A first for blood clot care 🚨 We’re pro

🚨 A first for blood clot care 🚨

We’re proud to announce that Vein and Vascular Institute has been named the nation’s FIRST Community DVT Excellence Center 🏆

This means more patients can access:

✔️ Faster diagnosis
✔️ Evidence-based treatment
✔️ Coordinated follow-up care
— all in a community setting

Blood clots can happen to anyone, and early care is critical. Expanding access like this helps ensure patients get the care they need — when and where they need it most.

👏 Join us in celebrating this milestone during #BloodClotAwarenessMonth

🎓 Want to learn how this level of care is built?
Join our COE webinar tomorrow: https://bit.ly/COEwebinar325 (link in bio)

Read the full announcement: https://bit.ly/VVInews (link in bio)

#StopTheClot #DVT #BloodClots #Healthcare #PatientAdvocacy #BCAM
@veinvascularinstitute

Lauren Brzozowski is an elite Team USA bobsled ath

Lauren Brzozowski is an elite Team USA bobsled athlete, known for her speed, strength, and determination on the ice. But despite being in peak physical condition and training at the highest level, she developed blood clots in her calf after suffering an injury and traveling long distances to compete.

At first, Lauren struggled to understand what was happening. As a high-performance athlete, she was used to pushing through pain and discomfort. But this felt different. What began as leg pain and swelling turned out to be something far more serious — deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Because blood clots are often not top of mind for young, healthy athletes, the warning signs can be easy to overlook. Thankfully, Lauren received medical care and began treatment that allowed her to safely return to training and continue pursuing her Olympic dreams.

Now Lauren is using her experience to help others understand that blood clots can happen to anyone — even elite athletes. This March, her story is a powerful reminder that no one is invincible, and that being “Strong Enough to Ask” and getting checked when something feels off can save your life.

Join Lauren and the NBCA community in the 100,000 Reasons Challenge. Together we’ll get up, walk, run, ride, and roll, tracking and sharing our progress along the way. It’s not too late to join!

🚶🏽‍♂️‍➡️ Move for remembrance.
🏃🏼‍♀️ Move for awareness.
🚴🏾 Move for your physical and mental health.
🛼 Move so fewer lives are lost.

💜 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.

Click here to join or find the link in our bio:
bit.ly/100kReasons2026

And stay tuned for more inspiring athlete stories throughout Blood Clot Awareness Month.
@zozzy7
#StrongEnoughToAsk #StopTheClot #BloodClotAwarenessMonth #BloodClotSurvivor #DVT #bloodclots #bloodclotawarenessmonth #bcam2026 #vte #deepveinthrombosis #bloodclotawareness #bloodcloteducation

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