To designate October 1992 as "National High Blood Pressure Education Program's 20th Anniversary Month".

Designates October 1992 as National High Blood Pressure Education Program's 20th Anniversary Month.

 
 HJ 555 IH
102d CONGRESS
2d Session
H. J. RES. 555
To designate October 1992 as `National High Blood Pressure Education Program's
20th Anniversary Month'.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 29, 1992
Mr. STOKES introduced the following joint resolution; which was referred to
the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service
JOINT RESOLUTION
To designate October 1992 as `National High Blood Pressure Education Program's
20th Anniversary Month'.
Whereas the incidence of high blood pressure in the United States poses a
major threat to the public health, affecting almost 60,000,000 individuals,
or 1 of every 4 Americans and 1 of every 3 African Americans;
Whereas high blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke and a major
contributor to heart disease as well as renal failure, especially among
African Americans, who have more severe hypertension than whites;
Whereas in most cases the cause of hypertension is unknown, while the benefits
of early detection and treatment are evident;
Whereas 20 years ago, concerned citizens asked for governmental leadership
in fighting this major health threat, and the result was the formation
in 1972 of the National High Blood Pressure Education Program (NHBPEP), a
community-based program to increase patient, professional, and public awareness
of the dangers of hypertension and ways to prevent and treat the disease;
Whereas the NHBPEP plays a critical role in translating the latest findings
from basic and epidemiologic research and clinical trials into practical
education materials for consumers and prevention and treatment guidelines
for physicians and other health professionals;
Whereas the NHBPEP has become a highly effective multidisciplinary governmental
and private sector coalition of some 17 Federal agencies, all 50 State health
departments, and 150 national organizations, and the coalition is coordinated
by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute;
Whereas the NHBPEP's successes are dramatic: 20 years ago, only 24 percent
of Americans were aware of the relationship between high blood pressure and
stroke and heart disease, and currently 90 percent are so aware; 20 years ago,
only 16 percent (fewer than 1 in 8) of the population were controlling their
blood pressure, and currently 1 in 2 do so; 20 years ago, most Americans had
never had their blood pressure measured, and currently nearly 80 percent of
the population have done so within the past year;
Whereas, since such program began, the age-adjusted death rate for heart
disease has decreased by 45 percent and the death rate for stroke has
decreased by 57 percent; and
Whereas the Congress wishes to commend this outstanding program of government
and private sector leadership in consumer and professional  medical education,
which has improved the health of all Americans: Now, therefore, be it
  Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States
  of America in Congress assembled, That October 1992 is designated as
  `National High Blood Pressure Education Program's 20th Anniversary Month',
  and the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation
  calling upon the people of the United States to observe the month with
  appropriate ceremonies and activities.