Monday, February 4, 2013: Sudden Cardiac Death of the Young Awareness Day

Monday, February 4, 2013: Sudden Cardiac Death of the Young Awareness Day

WHEREAS, sudden cardiac death claims the lives of more than 300 children and young adults in Michigan each year, particularly black males, and is a leading cause of premature death for males and females of all races; and,

 

WHEREAS, evaluating a young person's medical history, personal heart history and family heart history currently are the best tools used to identify those at risk of sudden cardiac death; however, in many cases, a sudden cardiac event is the first apparent symptom in a young person; and,

WHEREAS, early intervention, including calling 9-1-1, is a critical factor that increases the chance of surviving a cardiac arrest and saving a life; and,

WHEREAS, Michiganders will be better equipped to respond to a cardiac emergency if they understand how critical their intervention may be to the survival of a young adult or child, and have adequate training and practice to provide such intervention; and,

WHEREAS, on this day, we join with the Michigan Department of Community Health to raise awareness of sudden cardiac death of the young in Michigan; we encourage all citizens to learn about their family's heart history as well as promote and receive training in the appropriate interventions in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rick Snyder, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim Monday, February 4, 2013 as Sudden Cardiac Death of the Young Awareness Day in Michigan.