First of all, thank you for your help to impact heart disease and stroke prevention in Texas this past session. Due to the Texas CVD Council receiving funding during the budget process last session, more Texans will know the signs and symptoms of stroke and how to prevent them.

While the Texas Stroke Act was passed in 2005 it isn't until now that a major component of the bill is being implemented. On October 1, the Department of State Health Services began receiving applications for designation of Primary Stroke Centers. American Heart Association evidence and research indicates that by transporting stroke patients to a primary stroke center a patients' chance of stroke recovery increases significantly.

However we still have work to do. Did you know the following?

-Stroke is still the third leading cause of death in Texas
-Stroke is the leading cause of long term disability
-455,000 people in Texas have had a stroke.

We need your continued support if we want to reduce these numbers. Please continue to fund the Texas CVD Council and make an impact in reducing heart disease and stroke in Texas. These investments in heart disease and stroke prevention will impact thousands of Texans and reduce the massive health costs associated with heart disease and stroke.

Thank you and we look forward to sharing our progress during the interim as we work with you to prepare for the 82nd Regular Session.

Heart Disease and Stroke. You're the Cure.