Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025, as Hypertension Awareness Month in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Gustavo Rivera

Requests the Governor to proclaim May 2025 as Hypertension Awareness Month in New York to raise public awareness, promote screening, and support heart-health education.

ADOPTED

Overview

Bill number/title: J 387 — Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025 as Hypertension Awareness Month in the State of New York

Type: Resolution (memorializing the Governor to issue a proclamation)

Status: ADOPTED

Introduced: February 18, 2025

Sponsor: Gustavo Rivera (primary)

Legislative actions:

February 18, 2025: Referred to Finance
February 25, 2025: Reported to calendar for consideration (twice listed)
February 25, 2025: Adopted (twice listed)

Purpose and Intent

The bill is a memorializing resolution requesting the Governor to issue a proclamation designating May 2025 as Hypertension Awareness Month in New York. As a non-binding consequential measure, its primary aim is to formally recognize hypertension as a public health priority and to encourage awareness, education, and public health outreach during the designated month.

Key Provisions

Designation request: The resolution requests the Governor to proclaim May 2025 as Hypertension Awareness Month in the State of New York.

Rationale (recitals): The measure typically includes statements highlighting the prevalence and health impact of hypertension, the importance of early detection, blood pressure control, and health education. While the exact text isn’t provided, such resolutions commonly emphasize public awareness and prevention efforts.

Encouragement of action: The resolution generally urges state agencies, healthcare providers, community organizations, and the public to participate in awareness activities, screenings, and educational efforts during Hypertension Awareness Month.

Affected Parties and Scope

Primary impact: State-level recognition of Hypertension Awareness Month, with a symbolic effect aimed at increasing public awareness, education, and engagement around hypertension prevention and control.

Indirect beneficiaries: New Yorkers who benefit from increased public health messaging, early detection efforts, and healthy lifestyle promotion. Health care providers and community organizations may align events and programs with the proclamation.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Introductory action: February 18, 2025

Referral: Finance Committee (standard for many resolutions to review fiscal impact; this resolution typically has no direct fiscal obligation)

Adoption timeline: Rapid progression, with the resolution adopted on February 25, 2025

Next steps: As a memorializing resolution, adoption implies the Governor would issue a proclamation if he chooses to honor the request. The proclamation would designate May 2025 as Hypertension Awareness Month in New York.

Potential Impact

Raises public awareness about hypertension and its health risks.

Encourages screening, education, and preventive health measures during the designated month.

Codifies a symbolic commitment by the Legislature to support heart health and blood pressure awareness in New York.

If you’d like, I can add a brief note on typical public health activities associated with Hypertension Awareness Month to provide context for readers.

Bill