Oklahoma Advocacy Day 2025: Advocates Take Action on CERPs

Magnus Miller has been on Good Morning, America, and other programs, talking about his life-saving actions in January. He shared his story with about 30 other American Heart Association advocates who attended the Oklahoma Advocacy Day on April 1 to speak with legislators about funding for the Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs) bill that passed a year ago.

During the day, Miller also received an American Heart Association HeartSaver Hero Award that was presented to him by Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell. Additionally, his legislator, Sen. Brenda Stanley, recognized him on the Senate floor, where he received a standing ovation.

Miller, who has worked as a lifeguard and is trained in CPR, used his skills to help save a fellow student-athlete during a basketball game. He administered CPR and helped use an automated external defibrillator (AED) to save an athlete from an opposing school who collapsed during a game.

Miller and fellow advocates met with more than 15 Oklahoma legislators, including Speaker of the House Kyle Hilbert. They spoke with legislators about targeted funding for CERPs and also support for tobacco tax legislation.

In addition to Miller, reigning Miss Oklahoma Lauren Frost helped welcome the group. Frost was one of several participants from the Miss Oklahoma Organization who attended and helped advocate during the day.

Also, Deshawn Caldwell, a cardiac arrest survivor who told his story at last year’s advocacy day, spoke about his journey with national advocacy. During the past year, Caldwell went to Washington D.C. twice to speak to his Congressional members about passing a CERPs plan at the federal level.

Cheri Shepard, who lost her husband, Derrick, a former NFL player, to cardiac arrest attended advocacy day again. Her son, Sterling, also an NFL player, attended a year ago.

The power of advocates showing up and sharing their stories was clear as there was progress made toward securing support for the funding. Additionally, advocates had productive discussions with lawmakers regarding a tobacco tax bill.

Thanks to all the advocates who made Oklahoma Advocacy Day a resounding success.