Kicking off Heart Month in Kentucky!

What a first week of Heart Month in Frankfort!! On Tuesday, Governor Beshear and Lt. Governor Coleman joined us to issue proclamations recognizing Heart Month and Wear Red Day. They also assisted us in recognizing several of our hardest-working, most passionate advocacy volunteers. During that event, we solidified the administration’s support for several of our key policy issues.

Yesterday, we at AHA along with partners #iCANendthetrend, American Lung Association, Kentucky Youth Advocates and Tobacco Free Kids hosted hundreds of youth and adult volunteers from across the Commonwealth. With over 50 lawmaker meetings, testimony by the kids in the Education Committee, an afternoon rally in the Capitol Rotunda and recognition from the floor of both chambers to cap the day, it was so incredibly impactful.

The kids focused on tobacco retail licensing to prevent sales of these products to youth. AHA adults (including several physicians and heart experts) also spoke with lawmakers about the need for state cardiovascular funding to support the state program, CARES registry and CPR education in schools.

From a policy lens, the day brought us many new lawmakers expressing support, additional co-sponsors, additional organizational support and plenty of media coverage ensuring public awareness. But the day was SO much more. It gave the kids an opportunity to form connections with other passionate kids and network with the adult professionals who volunteered their day. But the biggest success of the day was surely seeing the kids empowered to use their powerful voices and speak up for what they believe in.