NATT APPOINTS NEW CHAPTER DIRECTOR FOR MINNESOTA

Tarrytown, NY,  April 13, 2009 - The National Alliance for Thrombosis & Thrombophilia (NATT) is pleased to announce that Chris Pulkrabek was appointed Chapter Director for the NATT-MN Chapter, effective April 13, 2009.

The Minnesota Chapter was formed in 2008 and has established an impressive track record in patient education programs, support groups, public awareness and advocacy.  Ms. Pulkrabek will be replacing Pat Koppa, who served as Interim Chapter Director, and has effectively worked with NATT-MN volunteer leaders in developing NATT-MN’s Board structure, program direction and the Chapter Director search effort.  Chris will be building on that foundation to expand NATT-MN’s education and fundraising programs.

Chris’ non-profit experience spans 15 years and includes a Master of Arts degree in Non-Profit  Management from Hamline University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications / Public Relations from Metropolitan State  University.  

Chris comes to NATT directly from the Science Museum of Minnesota where she was employed as the Director of Campaign Initiatives.  Prior to the Science Museum, Chris’ other employers include Goodwill/ Easter Seals Minnesota, Children’s Miracle Network – Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, the American Cancer Society and Metropolitan State University.    Additionally, she has been involved in board and committee roles with such organizations as the Minneapolis, St. Cloud and St. Paul Chambers of Commerce, Spare Key and the Metropolitan State University Alumni Association where she served as Board President.

NATT is a patient-led and science driven advocacy organization providing patient education and professional training on the signs, symptoms and prevention of blood clots and clotting disorders. NATT combines the unique perspectives of health care providers, individuals afflicted with clotting disorders and community leaders who are passionate about this health care crisis.

Several hundred thousand Americans die each year from blood clots in the veins. Most of these lives could have been saved if more patients and health professionals had known about the symptoms, risks and treatments.   NATT has joined forces with the CDC, US Surgeon General and other voluntary health agencies to promote education, diagnosis and treatment of blood clots.

The US Surgeon General estimates that in Minnesota, blood clots will strike more than 10,000 people each year, resulting in over 1,700 deaths, most of which are preventable.  Information released recently from the Mayo Clinic provides significantly higher estimates for Minnesota, with blood clots striking more than 15,000 people and resulting in over 5,000 deaths.

The mission of the National Alliance for Thrombosis & Thrombophilia is to prevent, diagnose and treat thrombosis and thrombophilia through research, education, support and advocacy.  For additional information about clotting disorders or the activities of the NATT-MN Chapter, contact Chris Pulkrabek by e-mail to  cpulkrabek@stoptheclot.org or by telephone at 651-324-3169. 

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