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.