Gov. Fletcher signs law creating statewide cardiovascular initiative

Gov. Ernie Fletcher signed House Bill 185 into law during a ceremony April 18 at the Cardiovascular Innovation Institute, creating a program designed to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease across the commonwealth.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Harry Moberly, creates the Kentucky Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, which will provide funding and support for the early identification of people at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The initiative will harness expertise at schools, universities and local health departments; offer Web-based informational programs; provide treatment for patients in their home communities; and develop educational materials targeted at youth.

"Through this innovative initiative, we'll be able to reach more Kentuckians who are at risk or already suffering from heart disease," Fletcher said at the signing. "This puts us in a better position to effectively diagnose and treat these patients, as well as improve their lives. That translates to lower-cost, higher-quality health care for everyone."

Cardiovascular disease is one of Kentucky's leading causes of death. Seventy-three of the state's 120 counties report cardiovascular disease rates in excess of the national average, and 20 of those counties surpass the national figure by 25 percent.

The Cardiovascular Innovation Institute (CII), which played host to the signing, is a partnership between the University of Louisville and Jewish Hospital & St. Mary's HealthCare. Its primary mission is to evaluate combination therapies that can assist patients with cardiovascular disease. These include technologies like artificial heart-assist devices and biofeedback sensors.

The CII was funded with a $15 million investment from Jewish Hospital, $6.2 million in federal earmarks secured by Sen. Mitch McConnell, $4.2 million invested by the University of Louisville, a $5 million grant from Kosair Charities, $5.5 million from the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and the Department of Commercialization and Innovation, and $1.5 million from the Gheens Foundation.