[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17299]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              SUPPORT FOR STROKE SURVIVORS AND CAREGIVERS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 14, 2011

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support for 
stroke survivors and caregivers. Although World Stroke Day has passed, 
support for stroke victims and caregivers must never end. As a long-
time nurse, I have seen first-hand the effects of debilitating 
diseases. I understand the hard work and dedication of many of our 
caregivers in helping these victims get back to health.
  Awareness is integral in reducing the occurrence of a stroke. 
According to the American Stroke Association, one in every six people 
worldwide is expected to die from a stroke. This disease is also the 
number three cause of death in United States. These numbers are 
alarming, and I believe Congress must do all that it can to raise 
awareness and provide policies to address the needs of stroke victims.
  Last Congress, the Democratic House passed H.R. 1032, the Heart 
Disease Education, Analysis Research, and Treatment for Women Act, 
which would have required the Secretary of Health and Human Services to 
report on the quality of and access to care for women affected by a 
stroke. In this report, the HHS Secretary would have been required to 
include guidance on reducing these disparities in improving treatment 
for women suffering from a stroke. While this legislation did not 
become law, I hope Congress can continue in its efforts to reduce the 
occurrence of and effects of a stroke.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in support of stroke survivors and 
their caregivers. Congress must continue to fight for research and 
quality healthcare, so that all Americans affected by a stroke can live 
healthy, productive lives.

                          ____________________