Senators Schuitmaker, Warren, Emmons and Whitmer offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 108.

            A resolution to observe February 2012 as American Heart Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Cardiovascular disease is the nation’s leading cause of death and costliest disease with direct and indirect costs estimated to be $297.7 billion; and

            Whereas, Cardiovascular disease accounts for 1 out of 3 deaths nationwide. Nearly 2,200 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each day, an average of one death every 39 seconds. Nearly 33 percent of deaths due to cardiovascular disease occur before the age of 75 years; and

            Whereas, An estimated 785,000 people in the United States will have a new coronary attack, an estimated 470,000 people nationwide will have a recurrent attack, and an additional 195,000 “silent” heart attacks will occur this year; and

            Whereas, According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, in 2009, 27,459 Michiganians died from cardiovascular disease; and

            Whereas, The research is clear that there are preventive strategies, as well as community-based strategies, that can increase survival rates from cardiovascular disease; and

            Whereas, The American Heart Association’s 2020 impact goal seeks to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent, while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent through research, population- and community-level interventions, public health initiatives, and policy measures; and

            Whereas, Efforts of the American Heart Association encourage citizens to help save lives by calling 9-1-1 if symptoms occur, becoming trained in CPR, and fostering comprehensive automated external defibrillator (AED) programs in their communities; and

            Whereas, The American Heart Association is celebrating February 2012 as American Heart Month and promoting education and awareness by motivating citizens to learn the warning signs of heart attack and stroke; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That in recognition of the importance of the ongoing fight against heart disease, we hereby observe February 2012 as American Heart Month in the state of Michigan. We urge all citizens to support the critical importance of tools and skills that will increase survival rates from cardiac arrest. By incorporating these tools into aggressive programs, thousands of lives can be saved each year; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the American Heart Association Go Red For Women with our highest esteem.