SECTION 1: Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States with about 700,000 having a stroke and with about 500,000 of these is first or new strokes and about 200,000 occur in people who have already had a stroke before and is the leading cause of severe, long term disability. On average a stroke occurs every 45 seconds in the United States; and on average, someone dies of a stroke every 3 minutes; and today, 5.7 million Americans are stroke survivors, and as many as 30 percent of them are permanently disabled, requiring extensive and costly care. Death and disability from stroke are projected to nearly double by 2032.In 2009 the estimated direct and indirect cost of stroke will be about $65.5 billion dollars. If more people could recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke and were able to seek treatment within 3 hours lives would be saved and the impact of stroke’s lasting effects would save health care dollars.

Therefore the governor shall annually issue a proclamation setting apart May as American Stroke Month in recognition of the thousands of residents across the commonwealth affected by stroke, and the need for increased public awareness, research and support for victims and their families, and recommending that the month be observed in an appropriate manner by the people.