A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of "Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Awareness Month".

119th Congress Introduced by Chuck Grassley and 2 co-sponsors

Designates March as Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Awareness Month to promote awareness, prevention, and education about DVT and PE.

Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

Purpose and Intent

This is a Senate resolution that designates March as “Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Awareness Month” and expresses the Senate’s support for the goals and ideals of raising awareness about DVT and PE.

The resolution is non-binding and serves to recognize the public health importance of DVT and PE, highlight their preventability, and encourage awareness efforts.

Key Provisions

The resolution states two main actions by the Senate:

The Senate supports the goals and ideals of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Awareness Month.
The Senate recognizes the importance of raising awareness about DVT and PEs.

It relies on a preamble that outlines facts about DVT and PE (definitions, risks, and impact) and explains why awareness efforts are warranted. The substantive action is symbolic and publicly acknowledges the conditions and the potential to prevent them.

Affected Parties

While the resolution itself has no regulatory or funding effects, it targets:

Public health awareness audiences (patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and the general public).
Legislators and governmental bodies to consider DVT/PE awareness in health messaging and outreach.

It acknowledges that DVT and PE affect a broad population, including high-risk groups such as cancer patients and pregnant individuals, and that these conditions contribute to hospital mortality and significant medical costs.

Background Facts Highlighted

DVT is a blood clot in deep veins (commonly in the leg) and can lead to PE if a clot travels to the lungs.

DVT and PE affect up to about 900,000 individuals in the U.S. annually.

Mortality estimates range from 60,000 to 100,000 deaths per year; approximately 1 in 4 individuals with a PE die without warning.

DVT and PE are often preventable and are among the leading causes of preventable hospital deaths.

Risk factors include immobility, surgery, older age, family history of clotting/thrombophilia, cancer, and pregnancy (risk can persist up to 3 months postpartum).

Economic impact: incremental medical costs associated with DVT/PE can reach up to $10 billion per year.

Procedural and Timeline Details

The resolution was submitted on April 14, 2026.

It passed the Senate by unanimous consent, without amendment or a preamble change.

There is no implementation mechanism, funding authorization, or regulatory requirement attached to the resolution; it is a formal expression of the Senate’s intent to promote awareness.

Practical Impact

Although non-binding, the resolution can help steer public health messaging and encourage educational campaigns during March (as designated) to improve early recognition, prevention strategies, and awareness among patients and healthcare providers.

It may inform future legislative or administrative initiatives aimed at DVT/PE prevention, education, or funding, by elevating the profile of these conditions.

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