Georgia CommonsHB 459: Heart Health for All Act; enact
Introduced version, the latest LegiScan holds · Last action February 19, 2025 · Introduced
The text as LegiScan holds it, read from the PDF the legislature publishes with its margin line numbers, running heads, and page footers removed. Line breaks are joined into paragraphs here; no word is changed.
Underlined words are what the bill adds to current law and struck-through words are what it removes, as the printed bill shows them.
House Bill 459
By: Representatives Carter of the 93rd, Schofield of the 63rd, Bennett of the 94th, Hugley of the 141st, Lim of the 98th, and others
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend Chapter 1 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions regarding health, so as to authorize the Department of Public Health to implement a program to increase public awareness of cardiovascular health and cardiovascular disease; to provide for partnerships and educational materials; to provide for an annual report; to provide for related matters; to provide for a short title; to provide for legislative findings and declarations; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:
SECTION 1.
This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Heart Health for All Act."
SECTION 2.
The General Assembly finds and declares that:
(1) Cardiovascular disease, which includes ischemic heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, hypertension, and atherosclerosis, is the leading cause of death in Georgia, impacting residents of all ages, races, and genders;
(2) Black and Hispanic women in Georgia experience disproportionate rates of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality;
(3) The leading causes of pregnancy related deaths were due to cardiovascular conditions, and such deaths were largely preventable;
(4) Cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and negative outcomes from heart attacks, are increasing in younger generations, particularly Generation Z and millennials;
(5) COVID-19 has been associated with many cardiac complications, including cardiac injury, ischemic heart disease, and heart failure, and the pandemic amplified risks and worsened outcomes for individuals with cardiovascular disease; and
(6) Therefore, it is in the best interest of the residents of this state to establish a program focused on raising public awareness of the importance of cardiovascular health and risk factors, prevention, and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
SECTION 3.
Chapter 1 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions regarding health, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows:
"31-1-26.
(a) The department shall:
(1) Develop and implement culturally relevant public awareness campaigns state wide focused on cardiovascular health and the risk factors, prevention, and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Such campaigns shall target all ages, races, and genders but shall prioritize high-risk groups such as younger populations, Black and Hispanic communities, and women;
(2) Partner with elementary and secondary schools, technical schools, colleges and universities, and local organizations to educate the youth of this state about cardiovascular health and cardiovascular disease, including recognizing the symptoms of heart attacks and strokes; and
(3) Develop and distribute educational materials regarding cardiovascular health and cardiovascular disease through community centers, healthcare providers, and digital platforms to maximize outreach.
(b) The department shall support efforts to:
(1) Increase and improve research on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular disease, focusing on maternal health and minority populations; and
(2) Assist community health centers in offering free, discounted, or low-cost cardiovascular screenings and preventive services.
(c) In implementing the provisions under subsection (b) of this Code section, the department shall give priority to areas with limited healthcare access and higher cardiovascular disease mortality rates as determined by the department.
(d) No later than June 30, 2026, and annually thereafter, the department shall prepare and submit a detailed written report on the implementation and effectiveness of the provisions of this Code section to the Governor and the General Assembly and shall publish such report on its public website. Such report shall include:
(1) The effectiveness of the public awareness campaigns, partnerships with schools, and education materials;
(2) The number and demographics of individuals served through cardiovascular screenings and preventive services;
(3) Data illustrating the progress in reducing cardiovascular disease mortality rates across all demographics served; and
(4) Any recommendations to improve awareness, prevention, and outcomes of cardiovascular disease."
SECTION 4.
This Act shall become effective upon its approval by the Governor or upon its becoming law without such approval.
SECTION 5.
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.