March 8, 2000
PUBLIC HEARINGS TO FOCUS ON CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Task Force, which was created by a joint Senate resolution in May 1999, will hold two public hearings in March to gather information on the impact of the disease in Illinois and on ways to reduce both its incidence and its death toll.
The hearings are scheduled for Thursday, March 9, in the Michael J. Howlett Building auditorium in Springfield, and for Friday, March 31, in the James R. Thompson Center, Room 025, in Chicago. Both hearings will run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) has been the leading cause of death in Illinois for at least the last 40 years. In 1998, the most recent year for which there are complete death figures, cardiovascular disease accounted for 38 percent of all Illinois deaths (39,969 of 104,070).
The task force is looking for input from various sectors – the public, the scientific and health care communities, and community organizations – in order to formulate strategies to address the disease. The group has targeted three significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease: physical activity, nutrition and tobacco use.
Individuals unable to attend one of the public hearings may submit written testimony through April 7. Testimony should be sent to the Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Health Promotion and Health Education, 535 W. Jefferson St., Springfield, IL 62761.
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Illinois Department
of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments |