Senate Concurrent Resolution 558

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE STATE BOARD OF HEALTH TO ESTABLISH A SYSTEM OF STROKE CARE FOR ALL STATE RESIDENTS STRICKEN BY STROKE.

WHEREAS, according to the American Stroke 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 about 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 sub-optimal 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; and

WHEREAS, according to 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 SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby urge the State Board of Health to establish a system of stroke care for all state residents stricken by stroke and to recommend to the Legislature any necessary legislation to implement the system of stroke care.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded to the Executive Director of the State Board of Health and the President of the State Board of Health and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.