[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 52 (Wednesday, May 1, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S3622]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

 Mr. BUNNING. Madam President, I rise today to honor the 
members of the American Heart Association, AHA, for all that they have 
accomplished in this nation's ongoing struggle against heart disease 
and stroke.
  Founded in 1924 by six cardiologists, the American Heart Association 
has worked for more than 70 years to accurately inform the American 
public of the dangers of heart disease and stroke. Through their 
effective fundraising efforts, the AHA has been able to perform 
extensive research on cardiovascular diseases and their effects on the 
American people. Research has shown that cardiovascular diseases, 
including heart disease and stroke, kill nearly 960,000 Americans each 
and every year; nearly a death every 33 seconds. Cardiovascular 
diseases also cost more than any other disease, with an estimated $330 
billion in medical expenses and lost productivity in 2002.
  Yesterday, Kentucky representatives of the Ohio Valley Affiliate of 
the AHA visited my office here in Washington. The information they 
provided proved to be quite shocking. In the Commonwealth of Kentucky, 
heart disease is the #1 killer. In fact, heart disease and stroke 
accounted for an astounding 43.5 percent of deaths in Kentucky in 1999; 
12,098 Kentuckians died of heart disease and 2,710 died of stroke in 
1999. Furthermore, Kentucky has the 6th highest death rate from heart 
disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases in the nation. As 
can be seen through statistical data, cardiovascular diseases are 
killing Americans, specifically Kentuckians, in mass numbers every 
year. We must realize the severity of this problem and actively join 
the fight to ensure that future generations of Americans are well 
informed on how to prevent these diseases from occurring.
  I applaud the work of the American Heart Association, especially that 
performed by the Ohio Valley Affiliate in Kentucky, and thank them for 
striving to create a healthier America. I ask that my fellow Senators 
join me in praising all involved with the AHA, for their work truly 
makes a difference to current and future generations of 
Americans.

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