Presidential Documents

6419 

Federal Register 

Vol. 80, No. 23 

Wednesday, February 4, 2015 

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 9229 of January 30, 2015 

American Heart Month, 2015 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

In the United States, cardiovascular disease—including heart disease, stroke, 

and high blood pressure—is responsible for one out of every three deaths. 

It is the number one killer of American women and men, and it is a 

leading cause of serious illness and disability. Across our Nation, we have 

lost devoted mothers and fathers, loved siblings, and cherished friends to 

this devastating epidemic. During American Heart Month, as we honor their 

memories, let us recommit to improving our heart health and continuing 

the fight against this deadly disease, for ourselves and our families. 

Americans of all backgrounds can be at risk for heart disease and stroke— 

and nearly half of all adults have at least one major risk factor. However, 

individuals who are at high risk often do not know it, and data suggest 

that many people who experience sudden cardiac death do not act on 

early warning signs. That is why it is important to understand the risk 

factors for cardiovascular disease, such as obesity, inactivity, and diabetes, 

and to keep your blood pressure and cholesterol under control. By maintaining a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and not smoking, you can control 

risk factors and help protect your heart. To learn more about cardiovascular 

health, talk with your healthcare provider and visit www.CDC.gov/

heartdisease. 

My Administration is committed to leading a new era of medicine—one 

that delivers the right treatment at the right time—and to ensuring Americans 

live longer, healthier, more productive lives. That is why earlier this year, 

I announced the Precision Medicine Initiative. This bold new effort will 

revolutionize how our Nation fights disease by investing in research that 

will enable clinicians to tailor treatments to individual patients. Additionally, 

in 2011 we launched Million Hearts, an unprecedented effort that is bringing 

together Federal Agencies, non-profit organizations, and private-sector partners to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes by 2017. We are working 

to enhance clinical care, bolster disease prevention programs, and empower 

individuals and communities to make healthy choices, demonstrating that 

improving the health system can save lives. More information on these 

important initiatives is available at www.NIH.gov/precisionmedicine and 

www.millionhearts.HHS.gov. 

At the same time, First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative is 

encouraging young people to develop heart-healthy habits from an early 

age, and the Affordable Care Act is allowing more families to access quality, 

affordable health care. New protections under the law require most insurance 

plans to cover recommended preventive services without copays, and they 

prevent insurers from denying coverage due to a pre-existing condition 

like heart disease. 

On Friday, February 6, Michelle and I invite all Americans to join in 

marking National Wear Red Day. By wearing red, we help raise awareness 

of cardiovascular disease and provide an important reminder that it is never 

too early to take action to protect our health. This month, let us reaffirm 

our resolve to fight this epidemic and continue our work to build a brighter 

future for our families. 


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6420 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 23 / Wednesday, February 4, 2015 / Presidential Documents 

In acknowledgement of the importance of the ongoing fight against cardiovascular disease, the Congress, by Joint Resolution approved December 30, 

1963, as amended (77 Stat. 843; 36 U.S.C. 101), has requested that the 

President issue an annual proclamation designating February as ‘‘American 

Heart Month.’’ 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States 

of America, do hereby proclaim February 2015 as American Heart Month, 

and I invite all Americans to participate in National Wear Red Day on 

February 6, 2015. I also invite the Governors of the States, the Commonwealth 

of Puerto Rico, officials of other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the 

United States, and the American people to join me in recognizing and 

reaffirming our commitment to fighting cardiovascular disease. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day 

of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth. 

[FR Doc. 2015–02372 

Filed 2–3–15; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3295–F5 


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