(Washington, D.C.)  This week, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers spoke on the House floor to raise awareness of deep vein thrombosis, a disorder that claims thousands of lives annually.

Representatives McMorris Rodgers and Lois Capps (D-CA) introduced legislation recognizing March as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Awareness Month, recognizing the second Tuesday in March as National DVT Screening Day and honors former Washington State Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn.  Rep. Dunn passed away in 2007 of a pulmonary embolism, caused in some cases by DVT.

“I am honored to call Jennifer a friend and a mentor,” McMorris Rodgers said.  “Let’s remember, and others like her, as we recognize the risks and treatments for deep vein thrombosis.”

According to the Coalition to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis, DVT is a common but serious medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the calf or thigh, and either partially or completely blocks blood flow in the vein.  DVT affects approximately 2 million Americans a year.

“Jennifer worked tirelessly to better the lives of everyone in Washington State and across the country while serving in Congress,” Jennifer Dunn’s husband Keith Thomson said.  “Jennifer’s work continues today with this effort to raise awareness of DVT, its symptoms and risk factors.”

Click here to watch McMorris Rodgers’ statement at a press conference announcing this effort, or click here for pictures of the event.

Contact:
Destry Henderson
202-225-2006
202-279-0418