CDC challenge seeks better ways to prevent healthcare-associated blood clots

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week announced a competition to recognize hospitals and managed care organizations for innovative and successful strategies to prevent venous thromboembolism, blood clots occurring as deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism. The agency encourages U.S. and international health care systems to submit evidence of successful prevention strategies and interventions through Jan. 10. A panel of judges from CDC and other Health and Human Services agencies will recognize up to seven Healthcare-Associated Venous Thromboembolism Prevention Champions, who will receive cash awards of $10,000. “Doctors and nurses in hospitals and other health care settings can save lives by implementing the best practices discovered through this challenge,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D. “Tell us about what you are doing and what’s helping prevent blood clots, so we can advance science and save lives together.”