IL HR0391

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, with over 160,000 Americans dying annually and African-Americans experiencing twice the rate of first-ever strokes compared to Caucasian Americans.

Fewer than one in five adults can correctly identify all stroke symptoms, including sudden numbness or weakness, confusion, vision problems, trouble walking, and severe headaches.

Stroke effects can be completely reversed if recognized and treated within three hours, making timely symptom recognition by victims, families, emergency responders, and healthcare personnel crucial.

The resolution encourages legislators to partner with the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to promote the Power to End Stroke program and raise awareness about uncontrolled high blood pressure and diabetes as stroke risk factors in African-Americans.

The resolution calls for introducing policy to create and expand statewide coordinated stroke care systems with focus on timely access to care and advanced treatment for populations disproportionately affected by stroke.