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A division of the Vascular Disease Foundation

A Call to Action! Speak out on Government Policy and Blood Clots

Dear VDC,

A note from VDC member organization and our friends at NATT:

WEIGH IN ON HEALTHY PEOPLE 2010!

"Blood clots and clotting disorders have never been included in the 'Healthy People' priorities since the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) began assembling public health objectives for each decade beginning in 1990," according to NATT CEO, Alan Brownstein. NATT President Randy Fenninger said "We are launching a nationwide campaign to make sure that it is included as a priority for the decade ahead. If we succeed, this will pave the way for increased funding for research, education and programs of prevention at the federal level. This will surely lead to saving more lives in the years ahead."

"Healthy People" guides policy on health priorities decade by decade. This is the first time that blood clots/clotting disorders are included, thanks to the leadership of federal health agencies with NATT participation. Two blood clot-related objectives are in the initial healthy people 2020 draft:

1. Reduce the proportion of adults who develop venous thromboembolism (VTE*) during hospitalization
2. Reduce the proportion of persons who develop venous thromboembolism (VTE*)
*VTE is the "umbrella" term for DVT (leg) or PE (lung) clot

Act Now and Speak out before the December 31 Deadline!

SPEAK OUT ON BEHALF OF THOSE WHO SUFFER FROM BLOOD CLOTS AND CLOTTING DISORDERS!

Let's work together to ensure blood clots are included in the final Heathy People 2020 document - a document that can make a difference about the priority that our government gives to preventing blood clots. The blood clot/clotting disorders community of patients, family members and health professionals must act make sure that preventing blood clots is included in Healthy People 2020!

Patients and Family Members
Include your support of the two objectives and share your personal and/or family's experience with blood clots and/or clotting disorders.

Health Professionals
Provide clinical evidence for your support of the two objectives. Your professional opinion on how these objectives can impact morbidity, mortality and health care expenditures are essential to success.

Its easy - post your comments to make a difference!

1. Click on this link:

http://www.healthypeople.gov/HP2020/Comments/default.asp

2. Log in and create a personal profile or be anonymous - it's your choice.

3. To create a personal profile:

a. Click on Log In/Create Profile
b. Choose topic: Blood Disorders and Blood Safety
c. Click on Objective No. 3 or 4 (or both) to add your comments
d. Click on Submit an Objective Comment to post your comments

4. To submit comments anonymously:

a. Click on View Objectives/Comments Anonymously
b. Choose topic: Blood Disorders and Blood Safety
c. Click on Objective No. 3 or 4 (or both) to add your comments
d. Click on Submit an Objective Comment to post your comments

5. Optional: Suggest additional objectives directed at reducing the public health burden of blood clots and clotting disorders.

The first step in the Healthy 2020 draft is NATT's position presented at a public hearing on November 7, 2009 by Joe Isaacs in Philadelphia. For additional background, you can read his presentation, by clicking: http://www.stoptheclot.org/News/article190.htm.