H.Res. 446 — Introduced in House

IV 117th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 446 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 28, 2021Mrs. 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.