North Dakota American Heart Association Day at the Capitol 2025: Advocates uniting to become the healthiest state in the Nation.

On January 31, 2025, the American Heart Association hosted the North Dakota AHA Day at the Capitol in Bismarck, North Dakota. The event brought together over one hundred passionate advocates, legislators, and key health organizations, including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), Tobacco Free North Dakota (TFND), Foundation for a Healthy North Dakota (FHND), North Dakota Multi-Partner Health Collaborative (ND MPHC), North Dakota Department of Health & Human Services Stroke Task Force, and the American College of Cardiology (ACC).

The primary focus was to advocate for policies aimed at improving public health and cardiovascular care. Key initiatives included implementing Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs) in schools and athletic facilities, commercial tobacco tax reform, healthy school meals for all, and strengthening cardiac and stroke systems of care. This collaborative effort highlighted the importance of advancing health-focused legislation to enhance the well-being of all North Dakotans.

The formal program was led by long-time American Heart Association advocate and North Dakota Statewide Advocacy & Engagement Chair, Joen Enderle. Lieutenant Governor Michelle Strinden emphasized the importance of improving health and well-being across the state and acknowledged the rich history with the American Heart Association.

The American Heart Association is a founding partner of the North Dakota Multi-Partner Health Collaborative, alongside State Government and the Foundation for a Healthy North Dakota. Lt. Governor Strinden, along with Community Engagement Director Krissie Mayer, recognized this important partnership as the state strives to become the healthiest in the nation.

Representative Lisa Meier, Prime Sponsor for HB 1363 – Cardiac Emergency Response Plans, shared her passion for creating readiness in schools and athletic facilities. Tabitha Muncy, Head Athletic Trainer for Valley City High School, supported the bill by sharing her story of saving the life of Coach Jason Schmidt. Brendon Plack, Senior Vice President of Public Policy & Government Affairs, also attended and voiced support from the National Football League and the Smart Heart Sports Coalition.

   

Throughout the day, advocates engaged in over forty meetings with legislators and state staff, including key partner advocates Dr. Mevan Wijetunga, North Dakota ACC Governor and member of the AHA Statewide Advocacy & Engagement Committee, as well as a cardiologist at Altru Health; Dr. Aaron Smith, ACC member and Sanford Health cardiologist; Erin Bailey, ACC Staff and State Policy Manager from Washington, D.C.; and Shannon Smith, AHA Midwest Vice President of Field Advocacy. Legislators responded positively, with many expressing support and committing to further discussions.

The event’s immediate outcomes were promising, with strong support for House Bill 1363 CERPs and significant progress in advancing Cardiac Systems of Care. The North Dakota Chapter of the American College of Cardiology committed to collaborating with the American Heart Association to establish a fully functioning Cardiac System of Care in North Dakota. This united effort provided much-needed support and optimism for Christine Greff, Stroke and Cardiac System of Care Coordinator at the North Dakota Department of Health & Human Services.

Overall, the North Dakota American Heart Association 2025 Day at the Capitol was a resounding success. It demonstrated the power of advocates uniting to change the future of health by speaking out and advancing policies that improve lives and create healthier communities.

Check out press coverage of 17 Year Old Watford Girl Advocating for Cardiac Emergency Response Plans for North Dakota Schools & Athletic Schools. and help us spread the word by liking and sharing our Facebook post.