Res. No. 1059

Resolution calling upon the state of New York to provide blood pressure machines in public places throughout the state

By Council Members Eugene and Cohen

Whereas, The American Heart Association (“AHA”) warns that high blood pressure is a “silent killer” because it has no symptoms and many people are unaware of it; and

Whereas, When left untreated, high blood pressure could lead to vision loss, artery and kidney damage, stroke, heart disease and loss of life; and

Whereas, The AHA stresses the importance of monitoring one’s blood pressure through regular medical checkups with a health provider, or at home, yet many of those who are most at risk of high blood pressure, such as uninsured, lower income, senior citizen, and homeless individuals, do not have regular access to health providers or to devices that would enable them to monitor their blood pressure; and

Whereas, The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reports that three in ten residents of New York City have been told that they have high blood pressure and that hundreds of thousands more have it but do not know they have it; and

Whereas, The New York State Department of Health reports that 31% of all adults and 62% of adults over 65 report being told by a health professional that they have high blood pressure; and

Whereas, Providing free access to automated blood pressure machines in public places could help those without access to testing resources to routinely self-monitor their blood pressure and seek potentially life-saving care in the event of high readings; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York call upon the state of New York to provide public automated blood pressure machines in public places throughout the state.

LS #7350

PLS

3/30/16