American Heart Association Kentucky Releases 2025 Advocacy Agenda
Kentucky, January 7, 2025 — As the 2025 Kentucky General Assembly begins its work this month, the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, has been working with volunteer advocates from statewide to announce its policy agenda for the upcoming legislative session. This program focuses on key initiatives critical to improving the health and well-being of all Kentuckians.
During the 2024 legislative session, the Association successfully advanced legislation to ensure longer, healthier lives for all through its work in key policy areas. One such success was legislation requiring cardiac emergency response/AED plans in all Kentucky public schools, accompanied by a $2.5 million appropriation to support this requirement. Although not all priorities have been adopted, the Association has made great progress in advancing key policy items during the 2024 Kentucky legislative session and intends to maintain the same momentum as the year begins. the 2025 session.
During the 2025 Kentucky legislative session, the Association aims to continue its focus on several key initiatives to increase access to health care and improve the heart and brain health of Kentuckians.
- Get funding to support heart and brain health in Kentucky. This appropriation will support Kentucky’s Heart Disease and Stroke Program, Cardiac Arrest Registry to Improve Survival, and mandate CPR training for students before high school graduation.
- To prevent youth access/initiation, require state-licensed nicotine/tobacco retailers. This will allow annual compliance checks and escalating penalties for retailers who break the law and sell to anyone under 21.
- Defend against expected threats to SNAP (food stamps) and Medicaid. Access to food and health care is essential to improving the health of Kentuckians.
The American Heart Association urges Kentucky lawmakers to prioritize these critical policies to improve the health of all Kentuckians. Together, we can work to reduce deaths caused by heart disease, expand access to vital health care, and promote healthier communities across the state.
Additionally, Association advocates will be at the State Capitol on February 6 to meet with legislators on these key issues. Advocates will also be at the State Capitol the following day, February 7, to commemorate Heart Month/Wear Red Day and raise awareness of Hands-Only CPR.
To support the Association’s work in Kentucky, join the American Heart Association You are the cure network by texting KY to 46839. Members will receive regular updates on these bills and opportunities to engage with elected officials to support these initiatives.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world where lives are longer and healthier. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than a hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers worldwide, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for public health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by heart disease and stroke. By making breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us at heart.org, on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For media inquiries:
Afton Fairchild, Afton.Fairchild@heart.org
Léa Rafferty, Léah.Rafferty@heart.org
For public inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
coeur.org And stroke.org