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Proclamation declaring February 2022 to be American Heart Month in Allegheny County.
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WHEREAS, cardiovascular disease affects men, women, and children of every age and race in the United States (U.S.); from 2019-2020, deaths from heart disease increased by 4.8%, the largest increase in heart disease deaths since 2012, and stroke deaths increased in the same period by 6%; cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the U.S; and
WHEREAS, in 2015, cardiovascular disease accounted for $555,000,000,000 in health care expenditures and lost productivity, and by 2035, cardiovascular disease will account for $1,093,900,000,000 in health care expenditures and lost productivity annually; and
WHEREAS, the global COVID-19 disease pandemic poses a significantly high risk to individuals with CVD and risk factors; and
WHEREAS, individuals in the U.S. have made great progress in reducing the death rate for cardiovascular disease, but this progress has been more modest with respect to the death rate for cardiovascular disease in women and minorities; and
WHEREAS, cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer of women in the U.S., killing more women than all forms of cancer combined; and cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S., or more simply put, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of new moms; and
WHEREAS, women, especially Black and Hispanic women, are disproportionally impacted by heart disease and stroke and research shows heart attacks are on the rise in younger women. Yet younger generations of women, Gen Z and Millennials, are less likely to be aware of their greatest health threat, including knowing the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes, and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we, Allegheny County Council Members Cindy Kirk…do hereby declare February 2022 to be American Heart Month in Allegheny County, and we recognize the importance of the ongoing fight against heart disease and stroke.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto caused the Seal of the County of Allegheny to be affixed this 8th day of February 2022.