Anna Newhoff
NCR Reporter
The Callahan Town Council convened Monday night to raise awareness for preventable blood clot deaths.
A declaration marked October as Emily Adkins Blood Clot Awareness Month. Adkins, the daughter of Nassau County Supervisor of Elections Janet Adkins and Doug Adkins, passed away Oct. 21, 2022, from a pulmonary embolism caused by a preventable blood clot that stemmed from a fractured ankle. She was 23 years old.
After their daughter’s death, the Adkins created the nonprofit organization Emily’s Promise to raise awareness about blood clots, provide educational scholarships for future healthcare workers, and pursue legislative advocacy to improve laws related to blood clot prevention and awareness. In April, the Florida Senate passed the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which took effect July 1. The bill requires “hospitals with emergency departments and ambulatory surgical centers to develop and implement policies and procedures and conduct training for the rendering of appropriate medical attention for persons at risk of forming venous thromboembolism.”
While the Adkins continue to raise awareness at the state and national level, it was important for them to do it at the local level as well.
“We’re very grateful for our town councils and our municipalities for taking a position and helping us raise awareness, because even if it saves one life and one family could help, hopefully avoid tragedy,” Doug Adkins said.
In other news, the council approved the closure of
Mickler Street to Third Ave-nue and Booth Street to Second
Avenue for The Old Farm-house Fall Market Oct. 25.
Council members Matt Davis and Ashton Bishop-Vargas were absent from the meeting. The next council meeting is at 7 p.m. Oct. 20.