ATLANTA – State Representative Sharon Cooper (R-Marietta), chair of the House Health & Human Services Committee, recently introduced House Resolution 972 to recognize Brain Awareness Week at the State Capitol from March 14 to 20, 2022.
“Brain Awareness Week serves as an important reminder about the thousands of Georgians who are impacted by brain illnesses and disorders each year,” said Chair Cooper. “This includes stroke, which is a leading cause of death and disability in our state. At the same time, there have been incredible advancements in medicine that have helped save lives and prevent long-term disability, and we also recognize these accomplishments during Brain Awareness Week.”
Since it first launched in 1996, Brain Awareness Week has generated global public awareness and education about brain science and research into preventions, cures and treatments for brain diseases and disorders, including stroke, to ensure better patient outcomes and quality of life. Held annually during the third week of March, it’s a time to recognize and reflect on medical breakthroughs that are dramatically improving brain health and even saving lives.
Located within America’s “Stroke Belt,” Georgia had the eighth highest stroke death rate in the nation in 2019. According to a 2020 report prepared by the Georgia Department of Public Health, more than 22,000 Georgians were hospitalized due to stroke in 2019, with 19 percent of strokes occurring in patients younger than 65. Stroke hospitalizations cost the state $1.6 billion in 2019.
“I commend Rep. Cooper and her colleagues in the Georgia House of Representatives for recognizing Brain Awareness Week,” said Dr. Jonathan Grossberg, an associate professor of neurosurgery at Emory University School of Medicine. “As a physician who treats patients affected by stroke, I can attest to the importance of awareness around illnesses that impact the brain along with treatment options available. Thanks to advancements in modern medicine, we can save lives and prevent long-term disability, provided patients and/or their loved ones recognize the symptoms of a stroke – loss of speech, face drooping and arm or leg weakness – and dial 9-1-1 immediately to help ensure timely access to care.”
Brain Awareness Week precedes Stroke Awareness Month in May. Along with educating people about recognizing the symptoms of stroke and seeking immediate medical attention, efforts this year will also focus on the need to improve emergency triage and transport protocols – ensuring timely access to lifesaving care for stroke patients.
For more information on HR 972, please click here.
Representative Sharon Cooper represents the citizens of District 43, which includes portions of Cobb County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 1996 and currently serves as Chairman of the Health & Human Services Committee and Vice Chairman of the Special Committee On Access to Quality Health Care. She also serves on the Judiciary Non-Civil, Regulated Industries and Rules committees.
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