George Voinovich: “I rise today to highlight February as American Heart Month, a designation that has stood since 1963 when Congress first…”

“I rise today to highlight February as American Heart Month, a designation that has stood since 1963 when Congress first recognized the need to focus national attention on cardiac health. I think it is particularly appropriate since it is Valentine's Day. The theme of this year's Heart Month is one that resonates deeply with me: ``Be Prepared for Cardiac Emergencies.'' This theme is especially meaningful because on January 20, the day of the Presidential Inauguration, the Voinovich family almost lost one of its beloved members to sudden cardiac arrest. Indeed, as the country welcomed the arrival of a new administration, I, like many of my colleagues, was looking forward to sharing this joyous occasion with family and friends. Tragically, our celebration was suddenly upended when Patricia Voinovich, my brother Vic's wife, was struck by sudden cardiac arrest. As she entered the Ohio Inaugural Ball, she crumpled to the ground without a pulse or respiration. Sudden cardiac arrest--as the name implies--happens abruptly and without warning.”