COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio House on May 20 approved House Bill 104 to designate Feb. 14 as Cardiovascular Health Awareness Day. The bill passed on a unanimous vote.

“This bill would designate February 14 as Cardiovascular Health Awareness Day in Ohio,” Representative Dieter said, urging colleagues to support a measure that sponsors said uses the symbolism of Valentine’s Day to highlight heart-health prevention and education.

Sponsor Representative Lawson Rowe cited national statistics on cardiovascular disease and health literacy during floor remarks: "According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease claims 1 life every 33 seconds in The United States," he said, and added that many outcomes are preventable with improved awareness and access to culturally responsive education.

Supporters described the designation as symbolic but potentially useful for public-health outreach, noting backing from public-health experts and community members. The House approved the bill 93-0 and agreed to the title; the measure will move to the Senate.