WHEREAS, Cardiovascular disease affects men, women, and children of every age and race in the United States. From 2019 to 2020, deaths from heart disease increased by 4.8 percent, the largest increase in heart disease deaths since 2012, and stroke deaths increased in the same period by 6 percent. Cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States; and

WHEREAS, In 2015, cardiovascular disease accounted for $555 billion in health care expenditures and lost productivity, and by 2035, cardiovascular disease will account for $1.093 trillion in health care expenditures and lost productivity annually; and

WHEREAS, The global COVID-19 pandemic poses significantly high risk to individuals with cardiovascular disease and risk factors; and

WHEREAS, Individuals in the United States have made great progress in reducing the death rate for cardiovascular disease, but this progress has been more modest with respect to the death rate for cardiovascular disease in women and minorities; and

WHEREAS, Cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer of women in the United States, killing more women than all forms of cancer combined, and cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal death in the United States. Simply put, heart disease is the number one killer of new moms; and

WHEREAS, Women, especially Black and Hispanic women, are disproportionally impacted by heart disease and stroke, and research shows heart attacks are on the rise in younger women. Yet younger generations of women, Gen Z and Millennials, are less likely to be aware of their greatest health threat, including knowing the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes; and

WHEREAS, The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement motivates women to learn their family history and to meet with a health care provider to determine their risk for cardiovascular diseases and stroke; and

WHEREAS, As the trusted, passionate, and relevant force for change to eradicate heart disease and stroke in women, the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women remains steadfast and committed to meeting the comprehensive health needs of women at every life stage; and

WHEREAS, By increasing awareness, speaking up about heart disease, and empowering women to reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease, we can save thousands of lives each year; now, therefore, be it