HRS Applauds Introduction of H.Res. 295

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HRS Applauds Introduction of H.Res. 295

The Heart Rhythm Society works to educate Congress about atrial fibrillation (AF) and advocates the need for increased public education and awareness and research funding into the causes and risk factors of the disorder. H.Res 295 was introduced on June 2, 2011 — the Society applauds this resolution, which would promote awareness, diagnosis, and treatment, and asks its members to contact their Representative to co-sponsor this important legislation.

Society Applauds the Introduction of AF Resolution in U.S. House of Representatives

Ask Your Representative to Co-Sponsor H.Res. 295

The Heart Rhythm Society applauds the introduction of H.Res. 295, Promoting increased awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of atrial fibrillation to address the high morbidity and mortality rates and to prevent avoidable hospitalizations associated with this disease on June 2, 2011 by Representative Kay Granger (R-TX), Representative Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) and Representative Charles Gonzalez (D-TX). The resolution will support efforts by the Society and other stakeholders to raise public awareness of atrial fibrillation (AF) by:

Enhancing the quality of care and patient safety
Advancing AF research and education
Improving access to appropriate medical treatment for patients suffering from AF

“The Heart Rhythm Society commends Representative Granger for taking a leadership role in bringing national attention to Atrial Fibrillation, which impacts about 2.5 million Americans each day,” said Bruce L. Wilkoff, MD, FHRS, president of the Heart Rhythm Society. “We will continue to seek support for this resolution from other members of Congress in the hopes that it is passed into law, which would help to build greater awareness among patients and the public about the disease.”

While the Society will secure additional co-sponsors, communication from you is the most effective way to influence action. Contact your Member of the House of Representatives today asking him/her to co-sponsor H.Res. 295.

Read the Society's press release on the introduction of H.Res. 295. In addition to the Society, many organizations support the AF resolution, including the Alliance for Aging Research; American Academy of Neurology; American College of Cardiology; American Heart Association; American Osteopathic Association; Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc.; Mended Hearts; National Blood Clot Alliance; National Council of Women’s Organizations; National Forum for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, National Stroke Association; Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association; Sister to Sister Foundation; Society for Women’s Health Research; StopAfib.org, the Women’s Heart Health Foundation, WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease.

Additional Society Advocacy
Earlier this year the Society organized its first Congressional "Fly-In" in Washington DC. Fourteen members of the Society's Health Policy leadership team traveled to Capitol Hill on March 16-17, 2011 to discuss, and advocate for, priority legislative issues relevant to heart rhythm care with members of Congress, including AF. The Society asked Congress to help it and its partner organizations educate more patients and physicians about the disorder; diagnose AF earlier, including in patients who find it hard to articulate what they are experiencing; and accelerate treatment to end unnecessary suffering.

Visit the Society's Health Policy section of the website to learn more about recent congressional action on AF prevention and awareness.