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Volume 1/ Issue 1 / April, 2021


Welcome!
Emailed each month, this free newsletter will cover the latest topics of interest making the news, keep you informed about current research studies, and offer noteworthy and relevant stories from our staff, medical professionals, and others interested in or affected by Factor V Leiden. In it you will find informative articles explaining what your association is doing to promote awareness and to educate others about Factor V Leiden. You will keep up-to-date on the latest initiatives being carried out by the association and explain how we are advocating for you to help keep you and your family safe.
Our goal is to make it interesting, informative and usable as a tool to pass along and convey to others important and relevant information about this very common genetic blood clotting disorder.
Thank you so much for your interest and support… we are so grateful and very much depend on caring people like you to help spread the word about Factor V Leiden.

A Message from Dr. Teresa Ousley, Executive Director
The need for awareness is great and with awareness comes knowledge… knowledge is power.
Ask your neighbor or someone on the street if they have ever heard of Factor V Leiden and you are most likely going to hear a response along the lines of “Wasn’t he a great pianist or music composer from the 17th century?” Sadly, if you had asked me or most everyone in my family that same question a few years ago, the responses would have been very similar. The need for awareness of this genetic disorder is great.
In recent years, venous thrombosis has become one of the leading causes of cardiovascular death in the country and the leading cause for preventable hospital deaths. Factor V Leiden plays a role in a fair amount of these deaths. In 2018, a consumer experience study of people who were diagnosed with Factor V Leiden reflected an overwhelming hunger to learn more about the disorder and a desire to take action to reduce their risk of venous blood clots. These recent events have made it increasingly clear that a dedicated organization is needed to expand awareness and educate families about the genetic disorder Factor V Leiden. Due to this void, the American Factor V Leiden Association was formed in 2020 to help fill that need.
Amazing strides have been made in the medical world in recent years with the development of new anticoagulants in our fight against thromboembolism… but we have a distance to go. The best medical treatment to prevent venous blood clots is still unclear in many cases. Until we are able to help the body fully know when to form the “good” clots and avoid the “bad” clots, our greatest tool and weapon against lives lost to thrombosis is awareness, knowledge, and counseling. Fully armed, people can then take steps to avoid those things that can trigger a blood clot and reduce their risks. Knowledge is power.
The American Factor V Leiden Association strives to embrace an inter-professional collaboration with medical professionals and genetic counselors to provide the most up-to-date research information on a wide variety of topics about Factor V Leiden allowing you, together with your health care professional, the ability to make the most informed decisions regarding your health and the health of your loved ones. Knowledge can help save lives.
If you have a passion for Factor V Leiden and would like to help us educate others, please consider partnering with us as we work to promote awareness, expand knowledge and help save lives.
In Next Month’s Issue…
Factor V Leiden Office Memo – A message from our executive Director about the accomplishments the AFVLA has made in recent months.
Factor V Leiden Headlines – We take a look at the COVID vaccines and what those with Factor V Leiden need to know.
Factor V Leiden Fast Facts – Articles that expand awareness about this barely known but very common genetic blood clotting disorder.
Factor V Leiden Follow-Up – We address your questions and comments from previous issues. Your voice is very important to us.

Our Mission...
The American Factor V Leiden Association is dedicated to its mission to serve as a central resource to the general public and medical community, expand awareness, promote education, advocate for and support those affected, assist in establishing testing guidelines, strongly encourage additional research, and facilitate in the exchange of information relating to Factor V Leiden. The ultimate goal is to save lives that would be lost to thrombosis related to Factor V Leiden.

Meet Dr. Teresa Ousley…
Dr. Teresa Ousley is a co-founder of the American Factor V Leiden Association and serves as the Executive Director. Her always positive, happy demeanor, dedication, and absolute concern and caring for others perfectly models the desired image, purpose and goals of the organization. Her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with an emphasis in leadership was preceded by a Master of Science in nursing education. She has spent several years educating our future nurses of tomorrow and continues to serve as an Assistant Professor of Nursing. Her true passion and dedication for education and public awareness shines through the moment you meet her. The association is very blessed to have her at the helm forging its future and being laser focused on accomplishing its mission. Take a second and say “hi”, she has never met a stranger and would love to hear from you. Teresa.Ousley@FactorV.org
Please visit
www.FactorV.org
Get involved and make a difference!
Together through knowledge and awareness we can reduce the risk and help to improve and save lives.
