PROCLAMATION 6404—FEB. 14, 1992 106 STAT. 5225 Encouraged by the progress that we have made thus far, and recognizing the need for continued education and research, let us pause this month to strengthen and renew our commitment to the fight against cardiovascular disease. After all, the many programs and activities that are conducted during American Heart Month offer lessons for life. The Congress, by Joint Resolution approved December 30, 1963 [77 Stat. 843; 36 U.S.C. 169b), has requested that the President issue an annual proclamation designating February as "American Heart Month," NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the month of February 1992 as American Heart Month. I urge all Americans to join in observing this month with appropriate programs and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 14 day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-two, and of die Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and sixteenth. GEORGE BUSH Proclamation 6404 of February 14, 1992 National Visiting Nurse Associations Week, 1992 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation When Florence Nightingale and William Rathbone's concept of the visiting nurse was brought to the United States in 1885, that event marked the beginning of a long and distinguished tradition of service to homebound Americans. Today the Department of Health and Human Services reports that more than 1,500,000 men, women, and children receive home health care and support services through visiting nurse associations. Such assistance is invaluable to persons who are terminally ill, to persons who are recovering from a temporary illness or injury, and to persons who are incapacitated by a chronic disease or disability—individuals who might otherwise be forced to seek care in an institutional setting. Visiting nurse associations enable these Americans to obtain needed services in the comfort and security of their own homes. While it is inspired by the same spirit of compassion and volunteerism, the role of the visiting nurse has changed dramatically over the past 100 years. In addition to providing medical care, visiting nurse associations also offer social services, nutritional counseling and Mealson-Wheels programs, as well as physical, speech, and occupational therapy. Today's visiting nurse associations also operate wellness clinics, hospices, and adult day care centers. Their efforts are a reminder that health care is made more accessible and more affordable by the hundreds of thousands of Americans who volunteer their time and service to others. The Visiting Nurse Associations of America are independently operated community organizations that serve more than 500 urban and rural communities in 45 States, These organizations are committed to
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