MO SCR32

Designates May as Stroke Awareness Month in Missouri and encourages all citizens to participate in stroke awareness and prevention programs, activities, and events.

Identifies stroke as the fourth leading cause of death and a leading cause of long-term disability in the United States, killing more than 134,000 people nationwide and more than 3,200 people in Missouri annually.

Notes that non-valvular atrial fibrillation affects an estimated 5.8 million Americans and increases stroke risk by five times, costing approximately $6.65 billion per year with nearly 75% of costs associated with hospitalization.

Cites 2010 data showing the total cost of cardiovascular diseases in the United States was estimated at $444 billion, accounting for about $1 of every $6 spent on health care.

Directs the Secretary of the Missouri Senate to send a copy of the resolution to the Department of Health and Senior Services.