06-R 063

2006 -- H 7077

Enacted 02/02/06

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY, 2006 TO BE "AMERICAN HEART MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives Naughton, Lima, E Coderre, Ajello, and Rice

Date Introduced: February 02, 2006

     WHEREAS, Cardiovascular disease is the nation's leading cause of death, with direct and in direct costs estimated to be $403.1 billion in 2006; and

     WHEREAS, Cardiovascular disease accounts for over 37% of all deaths nationwide; and

     WHEREAS, Nearly 2,500 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each day, an average of one death every 35 seconds; and

     WHEREAS, This year it is estimated that 700,000 Americans nationwide will have a new coronary attack and an additional 500,000 Americans will have a recurrent attack, for a total of 1.2 million attacks this year; and

     WHEREAS, The research is clear that there are tools available to increase survival rates from cardiovascular disease; and

     WHEREAS, The American Heart Association encourages citizens to help save lives by calling 911 if symptoms occur, becoming trained in CPR, and by establishing comprehensive automated external defibrillator (AED) programs in their communities; and

     WHEREAS, The American Heart Association is celebrating February, 2006 as

"American Heart Month" by encouraging and promoting education and awareness of the warning signs for heart attacks and strokes; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby proclaims February, 2006 to be "American Heart Month" in the State of Rhode Island. We furthermore recognize the critical importance of supporting aggressive programs that aid in the ongoing fight against heart disease; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this House hereby urges all Rhode Islanders to acquire knowledge of the tools and skills that will increase the survival rates from cardiac arrest; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the American Heart Association.

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LC01133

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