New York, NY - Congressman Charles Rangel released the following statement in recognition of American Heart Month taking place during the throughout the month of February:

“Each year, more Americans die from heart disease than all other causes of death, combined.  Those Americans who live with chronic heart disease and other heart disease-related illnesses face varying ranges of disability and burdensome suffering. The collective end-result for our nation, as a whole, is devastating:  lost work productivity, inability to fully contribute to community due to illness, mounting medical costs, and lost societal vitality.

This is why I hope that all Americans will join me in observing American Heart Month during the month of February.  Thanks to the great work of organizations like the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, great strides have been made in the investigation of heart disease and blood vessel-related illnesses.  Research supported by these organizations has resulted in new and innovative therapies which slow disease progression, decrease morbidity and mortality, and increase quality of life for millions of Americans, daily.  Many organizations in our Manhattan Congressional District are dedicated to fighting heart disease, such as: Columbia University Medical Center, Harlem Hospital Center, Harlem Cardiology of Madison Ave., Lenox Hill Hospital, St. Luke's Medical Group.

I sponsored a bill, the Patient Protection and Affordability Care Act, because I feel passionate about uninsured Americans who suffer from chronic conditions such as heart disease. The passage of this bill on March 23, 2010, ensures that more Americans than ever before will have insurance coverage for mounting medical expenses. Additionally, these Americans will not be excluded from coverage because of their pre-existing conditions.

However, our work is far from done. In Congress, I will continue the fight to alleviate the pain and suffering of heart disease by ensuring that medical coverage remains available for those who need it the most.  Our current and future generations must not be deprived of the opportunity to access healthier lives.  Working together, I am optimistic that we will not allow this to happen."