46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2003

DECLARING FEBRUARY 5, 2003 AS "STROKE AWARENESS DAY" IN THE SENATE.

WHEREAS, stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States today, ranking behind only heart disease and cancer, with nearly one hundred seventy-five thousand Americans dying each year from stroke; and

WHEREAS, stroke is the leading cause of severe long-term disability in the United States, and each year more than seven hundred fifty thousand people suffer a new or recurrent stroke; and

WHEREAS, stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in New Mexico, killing two New Mexicans every day and disabling over three thousand New Mexicans every year; and

WHEREAS, adults with diabetes and Hispanic populations are at a higher risk in general for stroke; and

WHEREAS, currently available treatments may reduce the number of deaths and disabilities caused by stroke; and

WHEREAS, Americans will pay approximately forty-nine billion dollars ($49,000,000,000) in the coming year for stroke-related medical and disability costs that may be reduced through improved response, diagnosis and treatment for stroke; and

WHEREAS, the American heart association, its division, the American stroke association, and the Albuquerque stroke club are working to raise the awareness of stroke's prevalence, risk factors, warning signs and treatment;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that Wednesday, February 5, 2003, be declared "Stroke Awareness Day."