Indiana Advocacy Day 2025: Advocates uniting to change the future of health
On February 17th, 2025, the American Heart Association hosted the annual Indiana Advocacy Day 2025 at the Capitol Building in Indianapolis, bringing together sixty passionate advocates, legislators, and representatives from the Indiana Stroke Consortium and the Play for Jake Foundation. The primary goal of the event was to advocate for key health policies, including the Stroke Registry and Acute Cardiac Events in Schools.
Throughout the day, advocates engaged in meetings with legislators and staff, sharing critical insights and personal stories to highlight the importance of these policies. Legislators responded positively, with many expressing support and committing to further discussions.
The event was marked by powerful testimonies and meaningful discussions. One volunteer shared her story, recounting the loss of her brother to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in 2013. She emphasized how the screening in the aftermath of his passing revealed that she had the same medical condition, ultimately saving her life. A retired firefighter, shared the alarming reality that in her career, she had encountered only a handful of SCA cases where bystanders had initiated CPR and used an AED. One mother shared with the media how her son’s life was saved thanks to CPR and an AED. Two volunteers were prompted by their State Representative to engage with their school superintendents for broader support.
Two of our stroke survivors stressed the urgent need for Indiana to pass Stroke Registry legislation to ensure accurate data collection for improved treatment and education. Several stroke healthcare providers met with their Representatives and Senators reinforcing the importance of Stroke Registry.
Additionally, the event provided Hands Only CPR demonstrations and an opportunity to use the FAST Experience online. Overall, Indiana Advocacy Day 2025 was a resounding success, demonstrating the power of advocacy in shaping health policies. The event underscored the importance of legislative support for life-saving measures and united passionate individuals dedicated to improving health outcomes and building healthier communities.
Check out press coverage of the event from https://iqmediacorp.com/ExternalIframeMedia/?mediaID=09e6abe3-823d-45cd-afd3-56f7a1a926c9&isRM=false
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