1.1A Senate resolution
1.2expressing the sense of the Senate; recognizing May as Hypertension Awareness Month.
1.3WHEREAS, hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, affects nearly half of all adults
1.4in the United States and is a leading risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases; and
1.5WHEREAS, hypertension often goes undetected and untreated, leading to severe health
1.6complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure and contributing to nearly 500,000
1.7deaths per year in the United States; and
1.8WHEREAS, only about one in four adults in the United States have their hypertension under
1.9control; and
1.10WHEREAS, health care costs in the United States associated with hypertension account for
1.11about $131 billion per year, while individuals with hypertension are estimated to face nearly $2,000
1.12higher annual health care expenditures compared to those without hypertension; and
1.13WHEREAS, hypertension disproportionately impacts certain populations, including but not
1.14limited to communities of color, socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, and those with
1.15limited access to health care services, leading to health disparities and inequities in the prevalence,
1.16management, and outcomes of high blood pressure; and
1.17WHEREAS, early detection, proper management, and access to medical treatments are critical
1.18to reducing the prevalence and impact of hypertension on individuals' health and well-being; and
1.19WHEREAS, the month of May is dedicated to raising awareness about hypertension,
1.20promoting education about prevention and management, and encouraging individuals to monitor
1.21their blood pressure regularly; and
1.22WHEREAS, access to affordable and quality health care services, including medical
1.23treatments, is crucial for managing hypertension and improving health outcomes; and
2.1WHEREAS, community initiatives, health care professionals, and advocacy organizations
2.2play a vital role in educating the public, providing resources, and advocating for policies that
2.3enhance hypertension awareness and access to medical care; NOW, THEREFORE,
2.4BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the State of Minnesota that it hereby:
2.5(1) recognizes May as Hypertension Awareness Month;
2.6(2) acknowledges the importance of raising awareness about hypertension's risks, prevention,
2.7and management strategies;
2.8(3) encourages health care providers, public health agencies, and community organizations
2.9to continue their efforts in educating and empowering individuals to monitor and manage their
2.10blood pressure effectively;
2.11(4) emphasizes the significance of access to affordable and comprehensive health care services,
2.12including medical treatments, in addressing hypertension and reducing its impact on individuals
2.13and communities;
2.14(5) supports initiatives that aim to improve health care access, affordability, and education
2.15regarding hypertension management and treatment options; and
2.16(6) expresses its appreciation to health care professionals, researchers, advocates, and
2.17organizations committed to reducing the burden of hypertension and improving public health.