RESOLUTION NO. RS2014-1105

A resolution recognizing May 2014 as American Stroke Month.

WHEREAS, stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability and the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, killing about 130,000 people and numerous citizens of Tennessee each year; and

WHEREAS, stroke prevalence is projected to increase by 24.9 percent between 2010 and 2030 and the direct medical costs for treating stroke are expected to increase by 238 percent, from $28.3 billion in 2010 to $95.6 billion by 2030; and

WHEREAS, nearly 78 million Americans have high blood pressure which is a major controllable risk factor for stroke, including 44 percent of African American adults – among the highest prevalence of any population in the world; and

WHEREAS, more than half (58%) of Americans don’t know if they are at risk for stroke; and

WHEREAS, one in three Americans can’t recall any stroke warning signs or symptoms; and

WHEREAS, the F.A.S.T. warning signs and symptoms of stroke include face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty and time to call 9-1-1; and beyond F.A.S.T., additional stroke warning signs and symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; and sudden severe headache with no known cause; and

WHEREAS, on the American Stroke Month Day of Action May 1, 2014, throughout May and year-round, the American Stroke Association’s Together to End Stroke initiative encourages Americans to learn their personal stroke risk, memorize and share the stroke warning signs, and call 9-1-1 at the first sign of a stroke; and

WHEREAS, new and effective treatments have been developed to treat and minimize the severity and damaging effect of strokes, but much more research is needed; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes May 2014 as American Stroke Month in Nashville and urge all the citizens of the city to familiarize themselves with the risk factors associated with stroke, recognize the warning signs and symptoms, and on the first sign of a stroke dial 9-1-1 immediately so that we might begin to reduce the devastating effects of stroke.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing May 2014 as American Stroke Month.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to be presented to the American Heart Association.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Sheri Weiner

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred to:	Rules & Confirmations Committee
Introduced:	May 20, 2014
Adopted:	May 20, 2014
Approved:	May 21, 2014
By: