Reps. Cherfilus-McCormick, Cammack Introduce Resolution Designating National Cholesterol Education Month and LDL-C Awareness Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) and Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL) introduced a House resolution that designates September 2023 as “National Cholesterol Education Month," and September 30, 2023, as “LDL-C Awareness Day.”

“With cardiovascular disease on the rise, heart health awareness can go a long way in saving lives,” said Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL-20). “Greater education is needed to address this public health crisis head-on and address inequities that can be starkly seen among underserved populations and communities of color. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution so that cardiovascular disease prevention never falls by the wayside and this disease is treated with the sense of urgency it deserves.”

“I’m glad to partner with my fellow Florida colleague Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick on this resolution to designate September 2023 as National Cholesterol Education Month,” said Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL-03). “As a co-chair of the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus, much of our work focuses on issues that affect women, especially related to health care. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S. and it’s been one of our top projects over the last several years to ensure women are equipped to best care for themselves and their families. Learning more about cholesterol and its effects on heart health can help to raise awareness and encourage women to be screened and treated.”

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death for men and women worldwide. It affects about half of the American population, with disparities seen most acutely among those from racial and ethnic minority groups.

One of the risk factors contributing to cardiovascular disease and poor health is elevated levels of the "bad" cholesterol low density lipoprotein (LDL-C). High levels of lipoprotein (a) cholesterol, hypertension, obesity, a lack of awareness of one's own risk factors, genetics, location, and unequal access to health care are also risk factors for cardiovascular disease and poor health outcomes. High LDL-C affects more than 25.5% of the U.S. adult population.

“We applaud Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Rep. Kat Cammack and their colleagues for bringing attention to America’s cholesterol crisis.  Heart disease remains the #1 killer in America, and Black Americans are 30% more likely to die from heart disease compared to white Americans. A National Cholesterol Education Month is necessary to educate underserved populations about cholesterol and encourage screenings to prevent avoidable deaths,” said Ryan Gough, Executive Director of the Partnership to Advance Cardiovascular Health.

“BLKHLTH is a non-profit organization dedicated to disrupting systemic barriers to optimal health that Black communities across the country experience,” said Khadijah Ameen, Director of Policy & Research at BLKHLTH. “We are proud to endorse the resolution designating September 2023 as ‘National Cholesterol Education Month’ and September 30, 2023, as ‘LDL-C Awareness Day’, which we believe will serve as an important step to advancing cardiovascular health equity.”

“High LDC-C, or bad cholesterol, is a risk factor for heart attack or stroke,” said Anekwe Onwuanyi, MD, president of the Association of Black Cardiologists. “Patients can play a proactive role by asking their physician for a simple blood test to determine their cholesterol levels and whether medical therapy is needed to prevent an acute cardiovascular event. ABC applauds Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick for her leadership to raise awareness about why knowing your cholesterol level is critical to preventing cardiovascular disease and reducing disparities in cardiovascular health outcomes.”

“NHMA applauds Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick’s efforts to recognize the urgent need for screening and treating of LDL–C to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Hispanic/Latino adults are at high risk for cardiovascular disease risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol which further increases the chances for health implications. This resolution will address a critical need to raise awareness about cholesterol diagnosis and efforts to improve the future health of the Hispanic population in the United States,” said Dr. Elena Rios, President and CEO, of National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA).

“The American Medical Women's Association applauds Congress for raising awareness of cardiovascular health and the importance of both primary and secondary preventive strategies, particularly the management of dyslipidemia. We must take action – now,” said Eliza Lo Chin, Executive Director of the American Medical Women's Association.

“Cardiovascular disease is the leading killer of women annually, and yet, too many women are unaware of its risk,” said Kathryn Schubert, President and CEO of the Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR). “Ensuring that women are educated about the risk factors of heart disease, including the role of high cholesterol, is essential for empowering women to take charge of their heart health. SWHR thanks Representative Cherfilus-McCormick and the cosponsors of this resolution designating September as National Cholesterol Education Month. Awareness is our greatest ally in this fight for overall heart health.”

“The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) supports this work to recognize cardiovascular health disparities faced by rural populations. Efforts are needed to expand awareness and resources to ensure rural residents can receive the preventive services and treatment they need. NRHA looks forward to working with Congress to continue support for this critical issue,”said Alan Morgan, Chief Executive Officer of the National Rural Health Association.

The resolution is co-sponsored by Reps. Alma Adams (D-NC-12), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-05), Chuy Garcia (D-IL-04), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Donald Payne Jr. (D-NJ-10), Al Green (D-TX-09), Ann Kuster (D-NH-02), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE-At large), Marc Veasey (D-TX-33), and Hank Johnson (D-GA-04). 

The resolution is endorsed by the Alliance for Aging Research, the Alliance for Women’s Health and Prevention, the American Heart Association, the American Medical Women’s Association, the Association of Black Cardiologists, BLKHLTH, the Family Heart Foundation, Mended Hearts, the National Center and Caucus on Black Aging, National Grange, the National Hispanic Council on Aging, the National Hispanic Medical Association, the National Rural Health Association, the Partnership to Advance Cardiovascular Health, and the Society for Women’s Health Research.

The full text of the resolution can be found here.