National Blood Clot Alliance Launches Historic B.L.A.C.K. Church Bus Tour to Tackle Health Disparities

Addressing Health Disparities: The B.L.A.C.K. Church Bus Tour

In a groundbreaking initiative led by the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA), the first-ever B.L.A.C.K. Church Bus Tour is set to hit the streets in March 2025. This tour, standing for "Black Lives Advocating for Clot Knowledge," aims to combat the staggering health disparities that have put the Black community at risk when it comes to blood clots. With events planned in significant Southern cities such as Atlanta, Birmingham, Charlotte, Houston, Memphis, and New Orleans, the NBCA aims to deliver vital health education directly to communities disproportionately affected by blood clot issues.

Impact of Blood Clots in Black Communities

Every six minutes in the United States, a life is lost to blood clots, leading to an estimated 100,000 deaths annually. Black Americans are especially vulnerable, facing a 30% to 60% higher incidence and mortality rate due to blood clots. Tragically, these conditions are a significant factor in Black maternal mortality as well.

The upcoming tour will provide essential information regarding the risks and prevention measures associated with blood clots, including symptoms that individuals should watch for. Participants can also look forward to access to free health screenings and expert guest speakers. This initiative is about arming individuals with knowledge to safeguard their health and that of their loved ones.

Heartfelt Voices for Change

Arshell Brooks Harris, a board member of NBCA, expressed the urgency of getting information to those who need it the most. "Nobody should be dying from blood clots, given how preventable they are," she stated, highlighting her personal attachment to this cause as she lost her mother to a blood clot.

Shirley Bondon, Executive Director of the Black Clergy Collaborative of Memphis, supports this sentiment: "Knowledge is power, and with information, we can reduce both the incidence and mortality of those impacted by blood clots in the Black community."

Call to Action: Federal Engagement Needed

As the bus tour kicks off in March, it calls upon federal authorities to recognize the urgency of addressing this public health crisis akin to initiatives for heart disease and stroke. Dr. Kakneka Mason, an NBCA board member and blood clot survivor, articulated the frustration felt within the community. "The time is now. We can’t continue to watch people needlessly die. Every year of inaction costs more lives and could have been saved through education and awareness," Dr. Mason stressed.

Join the Movement

Churches in the vicinity of the tour stops are encouraged to join this initiative. By hosting events, they will play a crucial role in disseminating vital information and addressing the urgent public health issue of blood clots. NBCA will provide all participating churches with the necessary planning support and educational resources to ensure success.

The National Blood Clot Alliance’s mission resonates louder than ever as they strive to elevate awareness within Black communities. This bus tour is a dramatic step forward in raising awareness about blood clots, and it emphasizes the organization’s commitment to making a difference where it is needed most. Community leaders and churches are invited to participate in this important journey toward health equity.

Learn more about the B.L.A.C.K. Church Bus Tour and how you can participate at National Blood Clot Alliance.