House Resolution 20

A RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING THE VITAL ROLE OF THE AMERICAN STROKE ASSOCIATION AND URGING THE MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE TO ENACT LEGISLATION TO ESTABLISH A SYSTEM OF STROKE CARE IN THE STATE.

WHEREAS, according to the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, strokes are the third leading cause of death in the United States striking about 700,000 Americans each year; and

WHEREAS, stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability in the United States with 4.8 million stroke survivors today; and

WHEREAS, in 2004, the estimated direct and indirect cost of stroke is about $53.6 billion; and

WHEREAS, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Science has concluded that the fragmentation of the delivery of health care services frequently results in suboptimal treatment, safety concerns and inefficient use of health care resources; and

WHEREAS, the IOM recommended the establishment of coordinated systems of care that integrate preventative and treatment services and promote patient access to evidence-based care resources; and

WHEREAS, according to the American Stroke Association research, a systems approach is necessary to effectuate true change in the way stroke is treated statewide so that patients have access to the most advanced treatment in centers that are best designed and equipped to deal with the critical and time sensitive needs of stroke patients; and

WHEREAS, the main purpose of stroke systems legislation is to establish a systems approach to dealing with stroke patients including assessing center designations, EMS protocols and field triage, inter-facility stroke transfer and stroke data collection:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That the Legislature of the State of Mississippi is called upon to work toward the passage of legislation that will establish a system of stroke care for all residents stricken by stroke.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the local American Heart Association affiliate, the Chairmen of the House and Senate Public Health and Welfare Committees and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.