25 LC 52 0743
House Bill 459
By: Representatives Carter of the 93
rd
, Schofield of the 63
rd
, Bennett of the 94
th
, Hugley of
the 141
st
, Lim of the 98
th
, and others
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend Chapter 1 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to
1
general provisions regarding health, so as to authorize the Department of Public Health to2
implement a program to increase public awareness of cardiovascular health and3
cardiovascular disease; to provide for partnerships and educational materials; to provide for4
an annual report; to provide for related matters; to provide for a short title; to provide for5
legislative findings and declarations; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting6
laws; and for other purposes.7
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:8
SECTION 1.9
This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Heart Health for All Act."10
SECTION 2.11
The General Assembly finds and declares that:12
(1) Cardiovascular disease, which includes ischemic heart disease, stroke, congestive heart13
failure, hypertension, and atherosclerosis, is the leading cause of death in Georgia,14
impacting residents of all ages, races, and genders;15
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(2) Black and Hispanic women in Georgia experience disproportionate rates of
16
cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality;17
(3) The leading causes of pregnancy related deaths were due to cardiovascular conditions,18
and such deaths were largely preventable;19
(4) Cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and negative outcomes from heart attacks, are20
increasing in younger generations, particularly Generation Z and millennials;21
(5) COVID-19 has been associated with many cardiac complications, including cardiac22
injury, ischemic heart disease, and heart failure, and the pandemic amplified risks and23
worsened outcomes for individuals with cardiovascular disease; and24
(6) Therefore, it is in the best interest of the residents of this state to establish a program25
focused on raising public awareness of the importance of cardiovascular health and risk26
factors, prevention, and treatment of cardiovascular disease.27
SECTION 3.28
Chapter 1 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general29
provisions regarding health, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows:30
"31-1-26.
31
(a) The department shall:32
(1) Develop and implement culturally relevant public awareness campaigns state wide33
focused on cardiovascular health and the risk factors, prevention, and treatment of34
cardiovascular disease. Such campaigns shall target all ages, races, and genders but shall35
prioritize high-risk groups such as younger populations, Black and Hispanic36
communities, and women;37
(2) Partner with elementary and secondary schools, technical schools, colleges and38
universities, and local organizations to educate the youth of this state about39
cardiovascular health and cardiovascular disease, including recognizing the symptoms40
of heart attacks and strokes; and41
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(3) Develop and distribute educational materials regarding cardiovascular health and42
cardiovascular disease through community centers, healthcare providers, and digital43
platforms to maximize outreach.44
(b) The department shall support efforts to:45
(1) Increase and improve research on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of46
cardiovascular disease, focusing on maternal health and minority populations; and47
(2) Assist community health centers in offering free, discounted, or low-cost48
cardiovascular screenings and preventive services.49
(c) In implementing the provisions under subsection (b) of this Code section, the50
department shall give priority to areas with limited healthcare access and higher51
cardiovascular disease mortality rates as determined by the department.52
(d) No later than June 30, 2026, and annually thereafter, the department shall prepare and53
submit a detailed written report on the implementation and effectiveness of the provisions54
of this Code section to the Governor and the General Assembly and shall publish such55
report on its public website. Such report shall include:56
(1) The effectiveness of the public awareness campaigns, partnerships with schools, and57
education materials;58
(2) The number and demographics of individuals served through cardiovascular59
screenings and preventive services;60
(3) Data illustrating the progress in reducing cardiovascular disease mortality rates across61
all demographics served; and62
(4) Any recommendations to improve awareness, prevention, and outcomes of63
cardiovascular disease."64
SECTION 4.65
This Act shall become effective upon its approval by the Governor or upon its becoming law66
without such approval.67
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SECTION 5.
68
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.69
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