GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2009

H                                                                                                                                                   D

HOUSE DRH10691-MG-47  (2/23)

Short Title:        Deep Vein Thrombosis Awareness Month.		(Public)
Sponsors:	Representative Harrell.
Referred to:

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT Establishing DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS AWARENESS MONTH.

Whereas, deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the large veins, usually in the lower limbs, which leads to partially or completely blocked circulation and may result in a fatal pulmonary embolism; and

Whereas, up to 300,000 Americans die each year from pulmonary embolisms, the majority of which result from deep vein thrombosis; and

Whereas, pulmonary embolism causes more deaths each year than breast cancer and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) combined and is the leading cause of maternal death associated with childbirth; and

Whereas, some of the risk factors for deep vein thrombosis include cancer and certain heart or respiratory diseases; and

Whereas, deep vein thrombosis can also be triggered by hospitalization, pregnancy, obesity, or restricted mobility caused by long-distance travel; and

Whereas, according to a survey conducted by the American Public Health Association, 74% of Americans are unaware of deep vein thrombosis; and

Whereas, deep vein thrombosis is a serious but preventable medical condition that affects approximately 2,000,000 Americans every year, and pulmonary embolism may be the most preventable cause of hospital death in the United States; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Chapter 103 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

"§ 103-12.  Deep Vein Thrombosis Awareness Month.

The month of March of each year is designated as Deep Vein Thrombosis Awareness Month in North Carolina."

SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.