NEWS: Senators Blunt Rochester and Grassley Introduce Resolution Marking Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Awareness Month

Washington, DC - U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) introduced a bipartisan resolution to recognize March as Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Awareness Month. Deep vein thrombosis is a condition where blood clots form in the deep veins of the body, such as the arm, abdomen, brain, and legs, whereas a pulmonary embolism can result from a blood clot breaking off and traveling to the lungs.

"Almost 12 years ago, my husband Charles lost his life to a pulmonary embolism. The pain it caused is a pain no spouse, sibling, friend, or parent should go through," said Senator Blunt Rochester. "Nearly 100,000 Americans die from blood clots every year, which is why passing this resolution is essential. The more we educate on the signs and symptoms, the more lives we can save."

"Americans who live with increased risks of blood clots include: patients with cancer or older Americans or surgery patients and pregnant women," said Senator Grassley. "Now, there are preventative measures all Americans can take to prevent blood clots. This includes knowing your risks, the signs and the symptoms of blood clots."

Senator Blunt Rochester serves on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. In 2023, as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Senator Blunt Rochester introduced the bipartisan Charles Rochester Blood Clot Prevention and Treatment Act, named after her late husband who passed away suddenly from a pulmonary embolism. The bill would invest in educating the American people about blood clots and increase educational resources for health care providers so they can better identify and treat blood clots. Then, in 2024, Blunt Rochester unveiled her Blood Clot Awareness, Action, and Advocacy: The Toolkit, a compilation of resources and information for medical providers and members of the public.

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Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester represents Delaware in the United States Senate where she serves on the Committees on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Environment and Public Works; and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.