Washington Lobby Day 2025: Advocates uniting to change the future of health

On February 12th 2025, the American Heart Association hosted the annual Washington Heart at the Capitol Lobby Day in Olympia, Washington. The event brought together sixty-five passionate advocates, legislators, and representatives from Nick of Time, Project Adam, and DP Foundation to champion critical public health initiatives. The primary focus was advocating for three key policies: eliminating the sale of flavored tobacco, addressing acute cardiac events in schools, and improving access to school meals.

Throughout the day, advocates engaged in forty-three meetings with legislators and their staff, sharing compelling stories and key messages. Legislators responded positively, with many expressing support and committing to further discussions on these important issues.

The event was marked by powerful personal testimonies. All three members of the Youth Advocacy Workgroup presented their legislative focus areas and shared their motivations. Several survivors also shared their stories, underscoring the real-world impact of these policies. An AHA staff member recounted her family’s experience relying on free and reduced school meal programs, highlighting the stigma associated with it. A teacher from Edmonds shared firsthand observations of the challenges students face in schools.

For the Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) initiative, a parent from Nick of Time shared the heartbreaking story of her son’s passing. Despite AEDs being nearby, they were never used because no one had practiced CERPs, emphasizing the urgent need for better emergency preparedness in schools.

Overall, Washington Lobby Day 2025 was a resounding 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.