H.Res. 446 – Reading Mode

117th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. RES. 446

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 28, 2021

Mrs. Beatty (for herself and Mr. Fitzpatrick) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

RESOLUTION

Expressing support for the goals and ideals of National Stroke Awareness Month.

Whereas stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident, is an acute neurologic injury that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted by a clot in the artery or a burst of the artery;

Whereas stroke is a medical emergency that can cause permanent neurologic damage or even death if not promptly diagnosed and treated;

Whereas in the United States, stroke is now the fifth leading cause of death;

Whereas 1 person in the United States dies from stroke every 3 minutes and 33 seconds;

Whereas every year, approximately 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke;

Whereas the direct (medical) costs of stroke are $30,800,000,000 annually, and total costs (both medical and lost productivity) are $49,800,000,000;

Whereas stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability;

Whereas those disabilities may require ongoing physical, occupational, speech-language, and other therapy and surgeries;

Whereas the permanent health concerns and treatments resulting from stroke have a considerable impact on children, families, and society;

Whereas the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that the most effective stroke treatments are available only if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within 3 hours of the first symptoms and recommends the public be familiar with and use the mnemonic F.A.S.T. to identify the signs and symptoms of stroke, including—

(1)

F—Face Drooping: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?;

(2)

A—Arm Weakness: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?;

(3)

S—Speech Difficulty: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?; and

(4)

T—Time to Call 9–1–1: If you see any of these signs, call 9–1–1 right away.; and

Whereas May is recognized as National Stroke Awareness Month: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives—

(1)

supports the goals and ideals of National Stroke Awareness Month;

(2)

encourages the people of the United States to support the efforts, programs, services, and advocacy of organizations that work to enhance public awareness of stroke; and

(3)

encourages continued coordination and cooperation between government, researchers, families, and the public to improve prognoses by increasing access to timely treatments for individuals who suffer strokes.