2007 Senate Joint Resolution 48
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: American Stroke Awareness Month.
Whereas, the month of May has been recognized as American Stroke Awareness Month; and
Whereas, every 45 seconds, on average, someone in the United States suffers from a stroke; and
Whereas, each year over 700,000 Americans suffer a new or recurrent stroke; and
Whereas, stroke is the third-leading cause of death in the United States, ranking only behind diseases of the heart and cancer; and
Whereas, stroke accounts for one of every 16 deaths in the United States; and
Whereas, Wisconsin had a staggering 14,573 stroke hospitalizations in 2004, and 10,960 deaths related to stroke or its aftereffects; and
Whereas, even for those who survive an initial stroke, the aftermath poses serious risk of recurrence, and recovery is difficult; and
Whereas, 21 percent of men and 24 percent of women who have an initial stroke die within a year; and
Whereas, stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States; and
Whereas, regrettably, certain ethnic groups are more likely to suffer from stroke than others; and
Whereas, African Americans generally have almost twice the risk of first-ever stroke compared with white Americans, and African Americans between the ages of 35 and 54 have four times the relative risk for stroke; and
Whereas, despite the prevalence and serious consequences of stroke, the majority of Americans are not aware of their risk factors for a stroke, nor are they aware of the signs and symptoms of an impending stroke, such as sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg; sudden trouble with speaking or with seeing in one or both eyes; sudden dizziness or loss of balance and coordination; and sudden severe headache; and
Whereas, organizations like the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association are devoted to educating people about the causes of stroke and to working with health advocates around the country to increase prevention measures; and
Whereas, in an effort to address these issues, in November 2005, the American Stroke Association launched its "Power to End Stroke" campaign aimed at educating the African American community on how to reduce the chances of having a stroke, recognizing the symptoms of stroke, and responding to the warning signs that a person is suffering or has suffered from a stroke; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature hereby express their support for the American Stroke Association's "Power to End Stroke" campaign and do hereby recognize May as Stroke Awareness Month.
