If adopted, AR9 would not create new laws or regulations but would promote awareness and education about heart health issues specifically affecting women. The resolution encourages citizens to wear red on February 1 to show solidarity in supporting women's health and to highlight the importance of taking proactive measures to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. By designating these dates, the resolution can help mobilize community events and health initiatives aimed at educating the public.
Summary
House Resolution No. 9 (AR9), introduced by Assembly Member Smith, seeks to recognize February as American Heart Month and establishes February 1 as Wear Red Day in California. This resolution aims to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death among women in the United States. The resolution acknowledges the alarming statistics that cardiovascular diseases and strokes claim a life every 80 seconds among women and highlights the potential for prevention through awareness and education.
Contention
While there does not appear to be significant contention reported around AR9, discussions on such health-related resolutions often revolve around the effectiveness of awareness campaigns versus direct policy actions. Proponents argue that recognizing these days helps to inform the public, while some may question if such acknowledgments translate into meaningful changes in health outcomes or additional funding for women’s health initiatives.
A resolution to recognize September 2023 as Cholesterol Education Month and September 1, 2023, as Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) Awareness Day.