RESOLUTION NO. RS2017-661

A resolution recognizing May 2017 as American Stroke Month.

WHEREAS, stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability, and the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, killing nearly 133,000 people in Tennessee each year; and

WHEREAS, projections show that by 2030, an additional 3.4 million adults in the United States age 18 and older will have had a stroke -- a 20.5% increase in prevalence from 2012 -- with the highest increase (29%) projected for Hispanic men; and

WHEREAS, the direct medical costs for treating a stroke is expected to almost triple from 71.6 billion to 184.1 billion by 2030; and

WHEREAS, more than 85 million Americans have high blood pressure which is a leading controllable risk factor for stroke; and

WHEREAS, new and effective treatments have been developed to treat and minimize the severity and damaging effect of strokes when administered in the early hours; and

WHEREAS, the “FAST” warning signs and symptoms of stroke include Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty and Time to call 911. Beyond the “FAST” symptoms, 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, during the American Stroke Month in May and year-round, the American Stroke Association’s “Together to End Stroke” initiative encourages Americans to manage their blood pressure, memorize and share the stroke warning signs, and call 911 at the first sign of a stroke; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County should recognize and proclaim May, 2017 to be American Stroke Month in Tennessee and to urge all the citizens of this state to familiarize themselves with the risk factors associated with stroke; to recognize the warning signs and symptoms; and, upon the first sign of a stroke, to dial 911 immediately to reduce the devastating effects of stroke on our population.

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

Section 1. That the Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing May 2017 as American Stroke Month.

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

Section 3. That 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: Kathleen Murphy, Angie Henderson, Jeremy Elrod, Freddie O'Connell, Burkley Allen, Michael Freeman, Nancy VanReece, Bill Pridemore, Russ Pulley, Mina Johnson, Sheri Weiner, Jeff Syracuse, Colby Sledge, Bob Mendes, Sharon Hurt, Erica Gilmore, Robert Swope, Steve Glover, Kevin Rhoten, Anthony Davis, Jacobia Dowell, Tanaka Vercher, Brett Withers, Larry Hagar, Nick Leonardo, John Cooper, Samuel Coleman, Scott Davis