Michigan House Bill HR0183

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/24
• Passed: 2/7/24

Caption

A resolution to declare February 2024 as American Heart Month and February 7, 2024, as National Wear Red Day in the state of Michigan.

Impact

The resolution is built on the premise that a large portion of cardiac events can be prevented through proper education regarding health risks and adopting healthier lifestyles. It draws attention to alarming statistics showing that nearly 45% of women aged 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease, while significant numbers of new mothers face increased risks associated with pregnancy. Particularly, Black and Hispanic women are noted to be disproportionately affected by heart disease and related conditions, which the resolution seeks to address through proactive awareness campaigns.

Summary

House Resolution 183 aims to declare February 2024 as American Heart Month and February 7, 2024, as National Wear Red Day in Michigan. This initiative is particularly focused on raising awareness about cardiovascular disease, which is identified as a significant health risk, especially for women. The resolution underlines that cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among women, claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined, and highlights that only 44% of women recognize this as their greatest health threat. It emphasizes the need for increased public awareness and education on the warning signs and risks associated with heart conditions.

Contention

Though House Resolution 183 is largely centered on promoting awareness and education, it also implicitly draws attention to the broader systemic issues within healthcare, particularly the historical underrepresentation of women in clinical trials as highlighted in the resolution. This discrepancy emphasizes the necessity for targeted health initiatives that cater specifically to women's health needs. In doing so, the resolution not only promotes awareness but also advocates for necessary changes in how healthcare strategies are formulated and executed with regards to female health.