WHEREAS, Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability and the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, killing over 134,000 people nationwide and approximately 13,506 Californians each year; and

WHEREAS, Stroke prevalence is projected to increase by 24.9 percent between 2010 and 2030, and the direct medical costs for treating stroke in the United States are expected to increase by 238 percent, from $28.3 billion in 2010 to $95.6 billion by 2030; and

WHEREAS, Warning signs of stroke include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding, sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, and sudden severe headache with no known cause; and

WHEREAS, Although Americans are more aware of the risk factors and warning signs for stroke now than they have been in the past, according to a recent survey, one-third of adults cannot identify any symptoms; and

WHEREAS, The signature action for American Stroke Month 2012 is to reach out to a young audience, individuals 10 to 17 years of age, inclusive, through all music genres and social media activities, to educate them about stroke, the warning signs and risk factors, and to engage them in sharing the messages with their parents and grandparents; and

WHEREAS, Through the American Stroke Association’s “Power to End Stroke” awareness campaign, the 31 Days of Power activity will empower African Americans to reduce their stroke risk, recognize the warning signs, and respond quickly in a stroke emergency to reduce stroke in African Americans who are at particularly high risk of the disease. Participation in a local 31 Days of Power event or activity is encouraged; and

WHEREAS, New and effective treatments have been developed to treat and minimize the severity and damaging effects of strokes, but much more research is needed; now, therefore, be it