WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congresswoman representing Delaware Lisa Blunt Rochester has introduced the Charles Rochester Blood Clot Prevention and Treatment Act, nine years after Rochester passed away from blood clots.
Blunt Rochester says that her late husband tore his Achilles tendon playing a game of basketball before a business meeting, leading to blood clots traveling to his heart and and lungs, taking his life at the age of 52.
According to Blunt Rochester, the bipartisan legislation was introduced alongside Dr. Larry Bucshon (R-IL), Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), and Dr. Michael Burgess (R-Texas).
She says the act would direct the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention to launch a national campaign meant to increase public awareness of blood clots and their signs and symptoms. The act would also establish an advisory committee to help streamline effective diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of blood clots and pulmonary embolisms.
Blunt Rochester says that groups most at risk for blood clots and pulmonary embolisms include:
- the elderly
- women during and just after pregnancy
- those with a family history of blood clots
- those with recent or recurrent cancer
- those with recent injury or trauma.
“Charles was the love of my life - he was brilliant, kind, humble, and healthy. He was a vegetarian who worked out every day - and his death was a shock - and an example that blood clots can affect anyone,” said Rep. Blunt Rochester. “The Charles Rochester Blood Clot Prevention and Treatment Act would help raise awareness of this preventable disease that takes the life of an American every six minutes. We can and should do more to help folks recognize the symptoms and warning signs of blood clots so they can get their loved ones the care they need, when they need it - and save lives.”
“The Charles Rochester Blood Clot Prevention and Treatment Act recognizes the critical importance of increasing awareness of blood clot signs and symptoms,” said Dr. Bucshon. “As a physician, I have seen the challenges and consequences imposed on patients and families dealing with this issue. This legislation will save lives by providing education and support, while helping to streamline diagnosis and treatment. I am honored to work across the aisle with my colleague Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester on this legislation honoring her late husband.”
"I am honored to work with Rep. Blunt Rochester in introducing the Charles Rochester Blood Clot Prevention and Treatment Act, named in memory of her late husband. This vital legislation aims to increase awareness of the warning signs associated with deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms," said Dr. Burgess. "By doing so, we aspire to bolster prevention efforts and enhance treatment options for the benefit of all Americans who may experience the distressing impact of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolisms.”
Blunt Rochester says that the act is supported by the American Heart Association and the National Blood Clot Association.