Expressing support for the goals and ideals of "National Hypertension Awareness Month".
H. Res. 416 is a non-binding House resolution introduced in the 119th Congress by Mrs. Beatty. It expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Hypertension Awareness Month (the resolution sometimes references “Hypertension Awareness Month” as the designated observance). The measure does not create new programs or authorize spending. Instead, it publicly recognizes the importance of preventing and managing high blood pressure, urges continued education and outreach by health care providers and public health entities, and emphasizes access to affordable, quality health care as essential to reducing hypertension’s health and economic burdens. The resolution also acknowledges disparities in hypertension prevalence and outcomes and urges action to address them.
Key Points
- 1The resolution is a formal, non-binding expression of support for designating and observing Hypertension Awareness Month and raises awareness of hypertension’s risks, prevention, and management.
- 2It highlights that hypertension affects about half of U.S. adults, is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and often goes undetected or untreated, contributing to heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
- 3It notes the economic impact, citing roughly $131 billion in annual health care costs related to hypertension and about $2,000 higher annual health care expenditures for individuals with hypertension.
- 4It calls out disparities, noting that hypertension disproportionately affects communities of color, socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, and those with limited access to care, and it stresses the need for access to affordable health care services.
- 5It urges health care providers, public health agencies, and community organizations to educate the public, promote blood pressure monitoring, and support initiatives to improve access, affordability, and education related to hypertension management and treatment options; and it expresses appreciation for health care professionals, researchers, advocates, and organizations working to reduce hypertension’s burden.