Virginia Heart Advocacy Day: Advocates unite to change the future of health  

On January 16, 2025, the American Heart Association hosted our annual Lobby Day at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond, bringing together more than 40 passionate advocates, legislators, the NFL, the Virginia Athletic Trainers Association, the Virginia School Nurses Association, the Virginia Chapter of the American College of Cardiologists, the Virginia Education Association, and Project ADAM. The primary purpose of the event was to advocate for Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs) in schools and Healthy Breakfast for All Students.

Throughout the day, advocates participated in twelve meetings with legislators and staff, including notable figures Senators Favola, Aird, Hashmi and McDougle and Delegates Torian, Sickles, Rasoul and Carr. American Heart Association volunteers shared key messages centered around CERPs in public schools legislation. Legislators responded positively, with many expressing support and committing to further discussions. Delegates Torian and Sickles lead the House Appropriations Committee and securing their support was vital.

 

The event’s immediate outcomes were promising. We secured a major victory that morning when the Senate version of our CERPs bill passed the full Senate Education and Health Committee, marking a significant step forward in strengthening heart health initiatives.

The day was filled with inspiring stories and impactful moments. Local youth heart survivor, Olivia Pacheco, delivered heartfelt testimony at the Senate Education & Health Committee meeting the morning of Advocacy Day. Youth heart ambassador, Cayden Shipley, was the star of our CERPs press conference later that morning, participating in a Hand-Only CPR demonstration and speaking to local media.

Overall, Virginia Heart Advocacy Day was a tremendous success. It demonstrated the power of advocates uniting to change the future of health by speaking out and speaking up to advance policies that are improving lives and creating healthier communities.

Check out press coverage of the event from:
Richmond Times-Dispatch Sports community part of support behind cardiac emergency response plans

News 12 Lawmakers introduce bills requiring cardiac emergency response plan in Virginia public schools

CBS6 Her son had 3 cardiac emergencies at school. She wants to make sure all Virginia schools have response plans.

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