Senate Resolution No. 239

BY: Senator PERSAUD

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
November 2023, as Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness
Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
illnesses that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim November 2023, as
Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month in the State of New York, in
conjunction with the observance of National Pulmonary Hypertension
Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, Each November, the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA)
launches a national campaign to raise awareness about pulmonary
hypertension (PH); this progressive rare disease is defined by high
blood pressure in the lungs and can cause right-heart failure and death;
and

WHEREAS, Although it is not known exactly how many people are
affected, PH is a contributing factor to more than 18,000 adult deaths
in the United States every year; it affects people of any age, and can
occur among those with left-heart disease, associated conditions such as
sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or
scleroderma, or from congenital heart disease; and

WHEREAS, The disease is significantly underdiagnosed and
misunderstood, even among health care providers; symptoms, including
shortness of breath, fatigue and chest pain, are not necessarily
specific to PH and can lead to dangerous delays in a correct diagnosis;
and

WHEREAS, While PH is incurable, early diagnosis and proper treatment
can extend and improve an individual's quality of life; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious health condition, and more must be done to increase activity at
local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim November 2023, as
Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.