Florida lawmakers, experts hold first meeting of Blood Clot Policy Workgroup

Press release from Emily’s Promise

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. – Emily’s Promise, a family foundation committed to preventing blood clots and raising awareness of the life-threatening dangers they pose, hailed the long-awaited first meeting of Florida’s Blood Clot Policy Workgroup as an important step toward addressing the issue of preventable blood clot deaths in the state. 

The Blood Clot Policy Workgroup, led by Dr. Ali Ataya of the University of Florida, was established by the Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration in conjunction with the Florida Surgeon General, as directed by the Emily Adkins Prevention Act (SB 612, 2023). The group is required to submit an annual report and must submit its final report by January 4, 2025.

At this inaugural meeting, health care providers, patients who have experienced blood clots, family members of patients who have died from blood clots, and other interested parties conducted an overview of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and current areas of need, including better access to care or medication for individuals suffering from VTE, as well as structured reporting of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms.

“It was such a privilege to witness the first meeting of a group whose work literally will save lives,” said Douglas Adkins, CEO of Emily’s Promise, Inc. “Blood clots are killing more people than breast cancer, car crashes, and AIDS combined. I am excited to see the consensus building around the need for a statewide data surveillance system and taking bold steps to address the standard of care.”

Douglas and Janet Adkins founded Emily’s Promise after losing their 23-year-old daughter Emily, an aspiring health care professional, to a fatal blood clot stemming from a fractured ankle. Emily’s Promise aims to honor their daughter’s legacy of kindness and compassion, and to increase awareness of blood clots and pulmonary embolisms.