Nonprofit The National Blood Clot Alliance recently announced a new initiative dedicated to addressing disparities amongst Black communities burdened with higher rates of blood clots.
Known as the Black Lives Advocating for Clot Knowledge Bus Tour, or more simply as the “B.L.A.C.K. Church Bus Tour,” the program partners the nonprofit with local churches to raise awareness about the dangers of blood clots. Considered to be the first of its kind, the tour will focus on six key cities, including Atlanta, GA; Birmingham, AL; Charlotte, NC; Houston, TX; Memphis, TN and New Orleans, LA.
Along with educational resources on blood clots, the initiative will have key guest speakers speak about the topic, provide free screenings and offer free tools to help residents be proactive about preventing blood clots.
“Nobody should be dying from blood clots, given how preventable they are. We are taking awareness directly to the people and providing the information they need to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said NBCA board member Arshell Brooks Harris in a press release. “NBCA is proud to partner with so many Black Churches across the South, trusted sources of health information in their communities, to raise awareness about blood clots.”
Black Americans are amongst the populations most diagnosed with blood clots. Once diagnosed, per the National Blood Clot Alliance, Black Americans have higher mortality rates than other demographics, recording a 60% increased chance of passing away from blood clots. Black women, specifically, are at risk. They can develop venous blood clots during pregnancy and in the three months after they have already given birth, risking maternal death.
Previous studies have identified a genetic predisposition that doubles the risk of developing blood clots for Black Americans. According to the American Society of Hematology, Black Americans tend to carry three variants in chromosomes, which is related to a decrease in the thrombomodulin protein, which works to regulate clotting.
We’re calling on Congress to expand funding for blood clot education/awareness programs in '25. Raising awareness is a bipartisan issue that saves lives. Type your address at the link to make your voice heard! Take action: https://t.co/9lojBstkrp @StoptheClot_Adv pic.twitter.com/XNbo5ltUvp
— NBCA (@StopTheClot) January 26, 2025
Approximately 36% of Black Americans carry one of these variants, leading to an increased risk of venous thromboembolism. Characterized as a disorder, the illness leads to blood clots in deep veins that can move to the lungs to become deadly.
With their latest initiative, the NCBA is looking to bring this information to the masses, informing communities about everything from genetics to treatment. Still, the nonprofit is urging Congress to do more.
“We are tired of waiting and watching people needlessly die. NBCA’s bus tour is the first step toward bringing blood clot awareness to Black communities. It is unacceptable that such a preventable condition remains a leading cause of mortality among Black Americans, especially Black mothers,” said board member and survivor Dr. Kakneka Mason. “We call on members of Congress to allocate funding for a national blood clot education and awareness program.”
