House adopts resolution declaring February 2025 American Heart Month

House Resolution 18, declaring February 2025 as American Heart Month and Feb. 5, 2025, as National Wear Red Day, was adopted by the Michigan House of Representatives during the floor session. Representative Rogers spoke in support of the resolution and urged colleagues to monitor heart-health indicators.

Representative Rogers said the resolution was personal and recounted a recent family medical emergency to underscore the importance of early care and awareness. "I encourage you to join me in knowing your numbers," Rogers said, naming total cholesterol, HDL, blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index as key measures.

The nut graf: Heart disease has been described in the session as the leading cause of death in Michigan for more than a decade; the resolution and the remarks highlighted concerns about awareness and disparities in outcomes, particularly among Black and Hispanic women, and urged preventive action and vigilance.

On procedure: Minority Floor Leader Fitzgerald moved to excuse Representatives Arbit, t Carter, Grant, Herzberg and Whitsett; Majority Floor Leader Pastumas moved to excuse Representatives Brooke, Paquette and Thompson. Both motions were entered and the clerk recorded "Without objection, so ordered." Earlier, the clerk announced a quorum was present and that there were no members absent with prior excuse.

The clerk called the question on adoption of House Resolution 18; members voiced "aye," and the presiding officer announced the resolution adopted. The resolution text read on the floor declares February 2025 as American Heart Month and Feb. 5, 2025 as National Wear Red Day in the state of Michigan.

The House concluded the session and the clerk announced the chamber would stand adjourned until Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. noon.