American Heart Association's statement on President Obama's State of the Union Address

Following is a statement from American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown on President Obama's State of the Union Address:

President Obama's appeal to members of Congress to not walk away from health care reform and the millions of Americans who are counting on it provides hope to the many heart disease and stroke patients who are struggling to get the care they need or are one step away from medical bankruptcy.  We, too, call on Congress to act together to quickly pass meaningful, comprehensive health reform this year.  Failure cannot be an option. 

Nearly seven million heart disease and stroke patients do not have health insurance coverage and in many cases forgo necessary medical care to pay bills and support their families.  Without reform, health care costs will continue to climb, individuals with pre-existing conditions will continue to be denied coverage and preventive care will continue to be out of reach for Americans who want to reduce their risk for chronic illnesses. 

The American Heart Association has a strong commitment to comprehensive reform that aligns with the Association's principles and the needs of heart disease and stroke patients.  Specifically, these principles focus on access to affordable insurance coverage, preventive services, quality health care, the elimination of health disparities, continued biomedical research to improve the prevention and treatment of heart disease and stroke, and an adequate and diverse workforce.  Americans need and deserve a health care system that embodies these principles.  We urge Congress to find common ground and finish its work on meaningful, comprehensive reform.  We must not turn our backs on those who need our help the most.