National AF Awareness Month introduced in the Senate

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National AF Awareness Month Introduced in the Senate

Resolution aims to raise awareness about AF, improve the public’s ability to identify warning signs, encourage individuals to seek medical attention in a timely manner and promote the need for further research for AF treatment.

On July 22, Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) introduced a “National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month Resolution” (S. Res. 220), which calls for the designation of September as National Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Awareness Month. The legislation was co-sponsored by Sens. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Mike Crapo (R-ID). This is the companion resolution to House Resolution 225 (H. Res. 225).

The bill notes that AF is the most common cardiac malfunction with increased prevalence anticipated as the United States population ages and that AF accounts for approximately one-third of hospitalizations for cardiac rhythm disturbances. S. Res. 220 aims to raise awareness about AF, improve the public’s ability to identify warning signs, encourage individuals to seek medical attention in a timely manner and promote the need for further research for AF treatment.

S. Res. 220 asks the U.S. Senators to resolve to:

Support "National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month" and efforts to educate people about AF
Recognize the need for additional research into treatment for AF
Encourage the people of the United States and interested groups to observe and support "National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month" through appropriate programs and activities to promote public awareness of AF and potential treatments for it.

Please take a few moments to view the complete resolution (PDF, 155K) and e-mail your legislators asking them to co-sponsor this legislation: reference S. Res 220 for the Senate and H. Res 225 for the House of Representatives.