Bill Text: MS SC685 | 2016 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Urge medical community to raise awareness about the risks of atrial fibrillation and stroke and availability of treatment.
Sponsorship: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2016-04-29 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC685 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2016-SC685-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2016 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Michel
Senate Concurrent Resolution 685
(As Adopted by Senate)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THE RISKS POSED BY ATRIAL FIBRILLATION AND STROKE AND THE AVAILABILITY OF TREATMENT OPTIONS.
WHEREAS, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, atrial fibrillation is the most common type of arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm); and
WHEREAS, while an estimated 2.7 to 6.1 million people in the United States have atrial fibrillation, this number is expected to increase with the aging of the population; and
WHEREAS, risk factors for atrial fibrillation include high blood pressure, heart failure, diabetes, advanced age, hyperthyroidism and heart disease; and
WHEREAS, those with atrial fibrillation have a risk of stroke that is four to five times greater than those without, and strokes caused by complications from atrial fibrillation tend to be more severe than strokes with other underlying causes; and
WHEREAS, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and in Mississippi, resulting in one person in the United States dying from stroke every four minutes and over 1,500 Mississippians dying of stroke in 2010; and
WHEREAS, stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability and stroke survivors are more likely to become disabled and experience difficulties with daily living and activities; and
WHEREAS, the total annual cost of stroke in the United States is $34 Billion, which includes direct health care costs and lost productivity; and
WHEREAS, atrial fibrillation is a serious health issue deserving attention from state health officials. An increase in community awareness of atrial fibrillation and its complications can improve the likelihood that people with atrial fibrillation will seek the treatment they need before suffering from devastating consequences:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That in order to improve public health and ultimately save taxpayer dollars, we hereby urge the State Department of Health, the medical communities and community-based organizations of Mississippi to raise awareness about the risks posed by atrial fibrillation and stroke, as well as the availability of treatment options.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded to the State Department of Health and the University Medical Center for proper distribution to the citizens of Mississippi, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
