Advocacy

Massachusetts student EMT calls for CPR training requirement in new Op-Ed

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American Heart Association volunteer advocate Nayan Sapers (left) poses with U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo, of Rhode Island, during a recent visit to Washington, D.C.

An American Heart Association volunteer is helping shine a light on a major gap in lifesaving education across Massachusetts and making the case for why every high school student should graduate knowing CPR.  Nayan Sapers, a senior at Harvard University and an EMT with Harvard’s Emergency Medical Services, has been working with the American Heart … Read more

WBZ NewsRadio covers Go Red for Women gathering at Massachusetts State House

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Massachusetts lawmakers gather on the Grand Staircase at the State House in Boston

The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women gathering at the Massachusetts State House reached audiences beyond Beacon Hill thanks to coverage from WBZ NewsRadio 1030, helping elevate awareness that cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women. The annual event, held of February 26, brought together members of the Massachusetts Caucus of … Read more

Guest Blog: Paid Leave Is a Lifeline for Heart Patients and Families

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A mom and daughter smiling

Haley Rockwood’s firsthand look at how universal paid leave can protect workers, strengthen families, and support healthier communities. Written by Haley Rockwood A fourth open-heart surgery is a monumental hill to climb—and without paid leave, it nearly broke my family. I was born with a congenital heart defect. In January 2023, I faced my fourth … Read more

From Grandmother to Advocate: Miriam Plitt

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The ballroom quieted as Miriam Plitt walked toward the stage. Moments later, the American Heart Association presented her with the Yvonne Heredia Lifetime Achievement Award, its highest honor in Southern New England, drawing a standing ovation from a crowd of more than 300 physicians, executives, advocates, and volunteers.  Chair of the RI State Advocacy Committee for the American … Read more

Heart Healthy Hunting: Delaney’s Journey of Love, Loss, and Advocacy

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Delaney Roberts has been a spokesperson for the Heart Healthy Hunting campaign since its inception and is part of West Virginia’s first ever Youth Advocacy Group. When I first got involved with the West Virginia chapter of the American Heart Association, I had no idea it would become such a big part of my life. … Read more

October 16, 2025 declared “Restart a Heart Day” in Washington, D.C. 

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Mayor Muriel Bowser has proclaimed October 16, 2025, as “World Restart a Heart Day” in the District of Columbia.   More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur annually in the United States, with up to 23,000 of those happening to people under 18 years old. In D.C. alone, nearly 1,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital … Read more

American Heart Association in New York City Hosts Annual Advocacy Kickoff

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On Tuesday September 16, advocates joined the virtual American Heart Association Advocacy Kickoff to hear about last year’s successes and the opportunities to be involved in 2025-26. Last year, we successfully advocated with community organizations, parents, and childcare providers for increased funding in the New York City FY26 Budget for early childhood education programs that … Read more

Tobacco-free communities, healthy meals and access to care: our 2025-2026 advocacy agenda

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The American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region continues to support policies that improve the heart health and safety of our neighbors. In the last year, D.C. passed legislation requiring cardiac emergency response plans in all schools. Starting in September 2025, all schools will be prepared to save lives and respond to cardiac emergencies in school … Read more

American Heart Association Joins United for Child Care to Advocate for the Rights of Families in New York City 

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On Monday, June 16, in front of City Hall, the American Heart Association proudly stood in solidarity with New Yorkers United for Child Care at their “Father’s Day Cookout” rally. The rally was a powerful gathering of parents, advocates, and elected officials demanding real investment in universal childcare. Some of the speakers at the event … Read more

2025 CPR & AED rally unites hearts in DC 

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(L) Survivors and advocates stand in front of the Capitol with their march signs, (middle) Survivor Dr. Delya Sommerville was one of the advocates participating in the rally, (R) Survivors and advocates march from the Washington Monument to the U.S. Capitol  From June 5 to 7, 2025, heart health advocates from across the country gathered … Read more

Heart Month: Addressing Heart Health in Philadelphia

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community advocates at Philadelphia City Hall

On Tuesday, February 4, the American Heart Association hosted its first ever “Heart Month at City Hall” Day in Philadelphia. Throughout the morning, advocates met with Philadelphia Councilmembers and their staff. During these meetings, advocates reiterated that heart disease is the leading cause of death in Philadelphia, 1/3 of adults are affected by high blood … Read more

Advocating for Improved Access to Care: A Community Forum Recap

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participants in the Advocate Community Forum

On Thursday, January 30, the Collaboration for Equitable Health (CFEH) initiative held its fifth Advocate Community Forum at Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) in Philadelphia. This forum was a continuation of ongoing efforts to engage with community members and discuss the critical issue of advocating for improved access to care. Philadelphia faces unique challenges in … Read more

Guest Blog: Be prepared to save a life

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Sophie Loughran came home to visit her family in Stannard, VT. Although she did not plan to save her father’s life, she was prepared with Hands-Only CPR and a refurbished automated external defibrillator (AED). Written by Sophie Loughran After recently moving to Denver, Colorado, and feeling a bit homesick, I traveled home to my family’s … Read more

FM Senior Litigation Counsel Announced to Co-Chair Southern New England’s 2025 Go Red for Women® Movement

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Alexsa Marino joins the American Heart Association’s initiative to improve women’s heart health Providence, Rhode Island, October 23rd, 2024 – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, is proud to announce Alexsa Marino, Senior Litigation Counselor at FM, as a Co-chair for the 2025 Southern … Read more

Philadelphia Collaboration for Equitable Health Hosts First Advocacy Day at City Hall

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Advocacy Day Highlights Collaborative Efforts to Address Health Equity in Philadelphia The Philadelphia Collaboration for Equitable Health (CFEH), powered by Bank of America and together with the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, and University of Michigan School of Public Health, recently hosted its inaugural Advocacy Day at City Hall.  The CFEH … Read more

Guest Blog – Taking the “luck” out of surviving cardiac arrest

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Payton Jones of Bristol, VT suffered cardiac arrest at age 11 during her swim meet. She is alive today to tell the story thanks to immediate CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) use. I’m lucky to be alive. An undiagnosed heart condition caused me to suffer a cardiac arrest during a swim meet in Essex, … Read more

CFEH’s Fourth Advocacy Forum: Community-Driven Strategies for Equitable Health in Philadelphia

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Community Members Come Together at Collaboration for Equitable Health’s Fourth Advocacy Forum to Hear Progress and Discuss How to Best Engage with Decision Makers The Collaboration for Equitable Health (CFEH) in Philadelphia, a health equity initiative powered by Bank of America, in collaboration with the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association, the American Cancer … Read more

Empowering Local Advocacy

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Amplifying a Mini Coalition for Tangible Change in Greater Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA, May 7, 2024—The Collaboration for Equitable Health in Philadelphia, a healthy equity initiative powered by Bank of America, in collaboration with the American Heart Association (The Association), the American Diabetes Association® (ADA), the American Cancer Society and the University of Michigan School of Public … Read more

Greater Washington Region Public Policy Agenda Strives Toward Equitable Health for All

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Doctor forming a heart with their hands.

For nearly 100 years, the American Heart Association has been fighting heart disease and stroke by pioneering scientific discovery, community impact and public policies that help our families and communities thrive. Over 50 million people in the United States face a higher risk of heart disease because they lack access to the most basic needs, … Read more

Bank of America Health Equity Initiative in Philadelphia Leverages the Voices of Community Members to Build More Resilient and Healthier Neighborhoods

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Philadelphia, PA, October, 17, 2023 – Today, the Philadelphia Collaboration for Equitable Health, a healthy equity initiative powered by Bank of America, in collaboration with the American Heart Association (The Association), the American Diabetes Association® (ADA), the American Cancer Society and the University of Michigan School of Public Health, held its first advocacy community forum … Read more

2023 public policy agenda drives equitable health impact in the Greater Washington Region

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People stacking their hands in a circle

For nearly 100 years, the American Heart Association (AHA) has opened doors to equitable health through policy and system changes that save and improve lives. When it comes to fighting cardiovascular disease and stroke, a lot is at stake, especially in the Greater Washington Region where approximately a quarter of adults have hypertension, one-in-four kids … Read more

The American Heart Association’s Equity-Focused 2022 Public Policy Agenda Builds on Health Impact in 2021

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Every day, Americans’ lives are touched by heart disease and stroke. Whether it is our own health that is impacted or the lives of family members, friends, or co-workers, there is a lot at stake when it comes to fighting our nation’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers – cardiovascular disease and stroke. As a champion for health equity in the Greater Washington Region the American Heart Association (AHA) will advance cardiovascular health for all by supporting legislation that removes barriers to health care access and quality, improves access to nutritious food and water and strengthens funding for community and family programs.

The AHA Greater Washington Region recently released its 2022 public policy agenda.

“The proposed priorities build on the community-based health impact of recent

Dr. Asch
Dr. Federico Asch, president of the Board of Directors, American Heart Association Greater Washington Region

years and seek to promote health equity across Northern Virginia, Washington, DC and Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties in Maryland,” said Dr. Federico Asch, president of the American Heart Association Greater Washington Region Board of Directors and cardiologist at MedStar Health. “In 2022, the AHA, its You’re the Cure advocates and coalition partners will tackle a variety of urgent community needs including food security, tobacco control, health equity, and emergency response.”

Highlights of the policy agenda include:

  • Implementing and funding DC’s flavored tobacco sales restriction law passed in 2021.
  • Ensuring all 911 call takers are trained to teach CPR over the phone
  • Expanding access to water and reducing sugary drink consumption in schools
  • Creating heathier kids’ meals menus at restaurants
  • Increasing access to healthy and affordable fruits and vegetables
  • Identifying funding for health equity programs
  • Expanding postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months

This equity-focused 2022 agenda builds on important health impact in 2021, which included legislation that:

  • Restricts the sale of flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and menthol in Washington, DC. (only the 2nd state to do so).
  • Requires restaurant kids’ meals in Prince George’s County to meet healthier nutrition standards for both the food and beverage (the nation’s only such policy).
  • Doubles DC’s investment in Produce Rx, allowing more  under-resourced residents to access affordable and nutritious food.

By convening advocates and community partners, the AHA makes a difference by putting forward policies that help build healthier communities and healthier lives. For more information and to get involved, sign-up at: https://www.yourethecure.org/.

Click here to view the entire 2022 DC Policy Agenda.

Boston Globe columnist calls out Big Tobacco’s latest push to skirt regulation

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Tobacco companies are growing bolder in their efforts to keep people addicted and misinformed. The Boston Globe recently wrote about their latest plan to elude regulation in Massachusetts — electronic devices that heat tobacco instead of burning it, which the industry claims is a safer alternative to combustible cigarettes. In her piece, Globe columnist Marcela … Read more

Mass. government relations director to talk free school lunches on July 13th panel

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To end childhood hunger in Massachusetts, we must allow every student who wants or needs a school breakfast or lunch to receive it  at no cost to their family and with no requirement to sign up or provide income or other information. If passed, an estimated 50,000 students would have better access to school meals. … Read more

Opinion: Insurance coverage for all forms of telehealth essential for equity, chronic-disease management in Maryland

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Volunteer Shuron Abdullah, a retired registered respiratory therapist with three-decades of experience shares her advocacy around protecting telehealth, as told to April Dawn Shinske. Shuron is an American Heart Association volunteer and has been a Basic Life Support/Heartsaver instructor. 

“I’m cold. I’m cold.”

The pleading words of my late father-in-law, Pat, during in-person visits to his doctors have stayed with me, following his passing. Our preparations for his outings were always thoughtful. But at 95, no amount of bundling him up seemed to bring Pat complete comfort. Trips left him exhausted for days to follow.

Then, we began using telehealth–a Godsend–to meet Pat’s needs. Suddenly, everything became easier and more comfortable for Pat. He could remain warm resting in his bed, while we brought the phone or computer to him. Pat was able to visit with his regular doctor, and feel safe knowing he was in familiar, good hands. Especially as we worked through dementia and months of end-of-life care, telehealth became not only a better solution, it became essential to Pat’s wellbeing.

My experiences as a primary elder caregiver coupled with my three-decades as a registered respiratory therapist, community health volunteer and American Heart Association Basic Life Support and Heartsaver instructor and volunteer make me certain that telehealth is essential for our communities–most especially communities of color like my own, where adequate healthcare access is often limited.

We must act now to be sure all insurance providers cover audio-only and video telehealth options. We must support, and ask our legislators to support, bills HB123 and SB3 to protect telehealth for all. You can help by joining the American Heart Association’s You’re the Cure network and taking action, today.

There are many ways in which telehealth increases access to care. Telehealth eliminates the need for travel, especially for people who may not have access to personal transportation. For folks dealing with chronic diseases, people who rely on oxygen as an example, finding practical ways to readily access public transportation–and to afford it–may be nearly impossible. The pandemic has exacerbated these barriers to healthcare access. Telehealth by phone or computer allows people to practice prevention and chronic disease management under the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals, reducing strain on the need for emergency care during this critical moment and beyond. The elderly and those nearing end-of-life are especially positively impacted by access to telehealth.

If you need a reason to support access to audio and video telehealth, I ask you to recall my father-in-law, Pat, and the many like him. We can’t leave our most vulnerable community members in the cold when it comes to access to healthcare–telehealth brings prevention, chronic-disease management, and wellbeing to the warmth of home.

Please Join You’re the Cure to begin taking action and contacting your lawmakers today.

-Shuron Abdullah

Bowie, MD

See more from Shuron about why it is so important to protect insurance coverage for all forms of telehealth in Maryland:

Telehealth critically-important for chronic-disease management

Telehealth essential tool for eldercare

Telehealth benefits patients on oxygen

Telehealth fosters access and equity for vulnerable 

Breaking: Maryland General Assembly Overrides the Tobacco Tax Veto

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Advocates Say the Tobacco Tax Increase Will Save Lives and Increase Revenue Today, the Maryland Senate voted to override the governor’s veto of HB 732, the final step in enacting the state’s first cigarette tax increase in almost a decade. The policy includes a $1.75 per pack increase on cigarettes and, for the first time, … Read more

Advocate for better stroke care in Massachusetts by writing to your local newspaper

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This past summer, the Massachusetts Senate voted to support a bill that would ensure stroke patients get the best treatment as quickly as possible. The bill, which passed in a 40-0 vote, would allow first responders to transport stroke patients to the facilities best-equipped to treat them, rather than the closest, ensuring they immediately get … Read more

Massachusetts advocacy directors honored for anti-tobacco efforts

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Tobacco Free Mass presented its Blake Cady Award for Excellence in Tobacco Control this year to Allyson Perron Drag of the American Heart Association and Marc Hymovitz of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. The pair are being recognized for their outstanding work on landmark tobacco prevention and cessation legislation and for their tireless … Read more

American Heart Association launches ad campaign backing sugary drink tax in Massachusetts

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The American Heart Association launched a digital ad campaign in Massachusetts this week to raise awareness of the dangers of sugary drink consumption and advocate for a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. Over the next several months, the Association will be running ads on two online outlets that cover Massachusetts politics — Politico’s Massachusetts Playbook and the MASSter … Read more

Breaking News: First-of-Its-Kind Kids’ Meal Bill Passes in Prince George’s Co.

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Kids in Prince George’s County, Maryland are about to get healthier meals and drinks when they order from kids’ meals menus in the county.kids menu

On the afternoon of November 17, 2020, the Prince George’s County Council unanimously approved legislation that will make it easier for families and their children to choose healthier food and drink options when ordering from kids’ menus at county restaurants. The Prince George’s County Healthy Kids’ Meals Bill (CB-071) now awaits a signature from County Executive Angela Alsobrooks to be enacted into law.

“Policies like this can help improve outcomes and increase the opportunity to live a longer, healthier life,” said Dr. Federico Asch, president of the board of directors for the American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region and a cardiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. “By passing this comprehensive bill, Prince George’s County is a national leader in promoting equitable health policy.”

The legislation is the first of its kind in the country to include healthier comprehensive options for both food and drinks on children’s menu items. It will make water, milk and 100% fruit or vegetable juice the default beverage options for all kids’ meals served at Prince George’s County restaurants. It will also ensure the food options in kids’ meals promote health by designating limits on calories, sugar, salt and fat for items on their kids’ menus. Families would still be able to order other beverage and food items upon request.

“The majority of kids’ menu items are purchased for children under the age of 12, a critical time in a child’s development of taste preferences,” said Shawn McIntosh, the executive director of Sugar Free Kids Maryland. “This bill passage helps make the healthy option the easy choice. Our goal at Sugar Free Kids Maryland is simple – we want all kids to live long, healthy, productive lives.”

Councilmember Sydney J. Harrison sponsored the legislation, which was supported by a diverse coalition led by Sugar Free Kids Maryland, the Prince George’s Food Equity Council, the American Heart Association and Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). Voices for Healthy Kids provided some of the much-needed funding and technical assistance to make this a policy success.

“Together, we’ve scored a win for the community, created a model for other cities and states, and signaled to the restaurant industry that it’s time to stop pushing soda and unhealthy meals on little kids,” said CSPI policy associate Sara Ribakove.

Follow this developing story online by using the hashtag #HealthyKidsPGC.

(Article reprinted from Voices for Healthy Kids and Sugar Free Kids MD)

Transportation, nutrition programs big winners in Boston budget

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Boston’s recently passed budget includes several investments to address health equity in the city, including new bike lanes, reconstructed sidewalks and discounted fruits and vegetables for residents who receive government food assistance. These investments are just some of the initiatives the American Heart Association advocated for to improve the health of the city’s 700,000 residents … Read more

Massachusetts Senate passes bill ensuring stroke patients are taken to best hospital, not closest

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BOSTON – The Massachusetts Senate voted on Thursday to support a bill that would ensure stroke patients get the best treatment as quickly as possible. The bill, which passed in a 40-0 vote, would allow first responders to transport stroke patients to the facilities best-equipped to treat them, rather than the closest, ensuring they immediately … Read more

Telegram & Gazette: Massachusetts dispatchers to receive CPR training under proposed state bill

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A single piece of legislation, if passed, could save as many as 500 lives a year in Massachusetts, according to a UMass Memorial Medical Center doctor, reports the Telegram & Gazette in a story published on Tuesday. The Worcester-based newspaper interviewed Dr. Joseph Sabato, an emergency medicine physician and American Heart Association volunteer, who argued … Read more

American Heart Association Advocates Affect Sustainable Change for the Health of All Virginians

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Because of the dedication of AHA supporters and volunteers statewide, it was a landmark year of public policy achievements for cardiovascular health in the Commonwealth of Virginia. These successes demonstrate that constituents have the power to make significant change when they join in the fight against heart disease and stroke. “As a stroke survivor and … Read more

Massachusetts to end sale of menthol cigarettes, tobacco products on June 1

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Law will prevent Big Tobacco from targeting kids and minorities in underserved communities BOSTON, May 30, 2020 – On June 1, Massachusetts will take a bold step in protecting future generations from a lifetime of deadly tobacco addiction, when it becomes the first state in the nation to remove harmful menthol, mint and wintergreen tobacco … Read more

Ensure all Massachusetts families have access to healthy foods

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Across Massachusetts, families and individuals are struggling with food insecurity. We know the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help alleviate this issue by enabling participants to stretch their food dollars and purchase healthier foods. We want to thank the state Legislature and Gov. Charlie Baker for prioritizing funding for food insecurity issues in the … Read more

F.A.S.T. Friday – Survivor Spotlight

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My name is Olivia Richardson and I am a two-time stroke survivor, former LVAD patient, and heart-transplant recipient. I was first diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and had my first stroke at the age of 25. This was a shock to me because I had always been an athlete and been healthy all my life. After my … Read more

Massachusetts residents: Ask your lawmakers to prevent death and disability from stroke

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The cornavirus crisis has exposed gaps in the treatment of stroke patients in Massachusetts. The health care system is straining right now. Unfortunately, strokes continue to happen. Stroke kills 2,370 people in Massachusetts per year and leaves many more with long-term disabilities. Stroke victims need the best care possible. In Massachusetts, first responders are required … Read more

Maryland General Assembly Makes the Health of All Marylanders a Priority Raises Tobacco Tax, Funds Tobacco Control

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. – March 18, 2020 – Today the Maryland General Assembly took an important stand to protect public health by increasing funding for tobacco control and cessation programs and raising the state tobacco tax. The American Heart Association applauds the General Assembly for making such a significant investment in tobacco programs to combat the … Read more

New Jersey advocates make strides for heart health policies

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New Jersey advocates

With the start of American Heart Month, the American Heart Association New Jersey is proud to announce several legislative victories that Association volunteers played a role in securing. The 2018-19 legislative session ended in mid-January. Throughout the 2-year session, local volunteer advocates supported priorities that included improving stroke care in New Jersey, ensuring that tobacco … Read more

Patients, consumers, and health policy experts advocate at Virginia State Capitol for access to high-quality health insurance coverage, pre-existing conditions protections for all Virginians

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 Healthy Market VA, a coalition of organizations representing thousands of Virginians with chronic diseases, small business owners, and older adults spoke out on Tuesday, January 28 at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond to ensure that preserving life-saving patient protections and strengthening Virginia’s health insurance marketplace are top priorities for lawmakers this session.

State lawmakers are considering expanding access to health plans that are not thorough enough and put people in danger of not having the insurance coverage they need if they get sick. This could lead to high medical debt, the spread of poor-quality insurance options, and increased illness and death.

Patients shared stories with legislators about how they’ve managed their chronic conditions and why it’s important for Virginia to ensure that pre-existing conditions are protected. Avis Thomas of Richmond, Virginia is mother of four, a kidney transplant recipient, and has suffered life-long health issues. Her children and husband also suffer from chronic health issues. “Nobody signs up to have a pre-existing condition. With all the stressors of life, I can’t seem to shake the hardship of finding affordable and comprehensive healthcare,” she shared.

A local small business owner, Tierra Henderson also of Richmond, shared her story and discussed how current policies impact small business health coverage. “If I am unable to afford comprehensive health plans for my employees, I cannot attract a qualified workforce,” Henderson said.

Physician advocates talked about the need for access to care for Virginia’s most vulnerable populations. “As a physician, I see the importance of affordable, high-quality insurance for every person and family, including those with pre-existing conditions, small business owners, and older adults.”  says advocate Dr. Nina Solenski from Albemarle County and member of the American Heart Association’s Virginia Advocacy Committee.

Even if you couldn’t make it to the Capitol, you can still take action. Contact your legislators and tell them to support affordable high quality health care access for all.   Access to health care should put patients first. By supporting these issues, we can ensure that affordable, high quality health care is available for all Virginians.  Follow along on social media with #DefendPreEx and #HealthyMarketVA.

Healthy Market VA works to ensure access to affordable, high-quality healthcare coverage for everyone by strengthening Virginia’s health insurance marketplace. It is made up of health organizations including: American Heart Association, AARP Virginia, Arthritis Foundation, VPLC, The Commonwealth Institute, Leukemia Lymphoma Society, American Lung Association, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Small Business Majority, Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Hemophilia Foundation and the Hemophilia Association of the Capital Area.

 Check out the Virginia News Service story: https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2020-01-30/health-issues/va-lawmakers-urged-to-swap-aca-for-less-expensive-state-plan/a69052-1

New Jersey students demand that Big Vape #QuitLying

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QuitLying Day student assembly

The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, teamed up with several schools throughout New Jersey and across the country for the first-ever #QuitLying Day, which took place on Thursday, January 16, 2020. The initiative was a student-led event to demand accountability by e-cigarette companies for spending … Read more

Greater Washington Region Youth Mobilize to End Vaping

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The American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region is proud to partner with The Teen Age Group (TAG) of Greater Suburban Maryland’s Jack & Jill of America Inc.  to raise awareness on the dangers of vaping through the #QuitLying campaign and the launch of their own PSA campaign, “No Smoke.” The “No Smoke” Vaping PSA Release … Read more

The American Heart Association and Health Organizations Respond to Governor Northam’s 2021 Budget Tobacco Tax Increase

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“The American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Medical Society of Virginia, and Tobacco21.org appreciate the Governor including an increase in funding for tobacco cessation and prevention programs, seeking funding for reinsurance, and including a tobacco tax in his proposed 2021 budget. However, the proposed cigarette tax increase of $0.30 is insignificant and far too low to protect youth from becoming addicted to tobacco and not the best mechanism to fully fund reinsurance.

“Virginia currently ranks 50th in the nation on cigarette taxes and is in desperate need of a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to stop the tobacco industry from targeting our youth. The Governor’s proposed tax increase would still fall far below the national average state tax on cigarettes, which $1.81.

“We urge the Virginia Legislature to increase the tobacco tax by at least $1.00 and levy a comparable wholesale tax on all tobacco products including electronic cigarettes and heated- products. The evidence is overwhelming that increasing the tobacco tax by at least $1.00 would prevent thousands of Virginia children from never taking up smoking, encourage thousands of adults to stop smoking, save millions in health care costs, and provide resources to allow the state to more appropriately fund tobacco cessation and prevention.

“A higher tobacco tax would allow the state to both fund reinsurance and devote more funds to cessation. An increase of $1.50 could generate over $430 million for these important programs.

“The proposed $0.066 per milliliter e-cigarette tax is too small to create any public health benefits and instead should be a percentage tax applied at wholesale. With the proposed tax, it would be roughly 4 cents increase per e-cigarette pod. The amount is nominal and does not serve as a deterrent to prevent and protect youth from tobacco.

“Virginia youth and families deserve more protections from the tobacco industry. The current youth vaping epidemic is threatening the health of Virginia children―permanent and immediate solutions to protect them from a lifetime of tobacco and nicotine addiction are needed now.

“The time is now to protect our youth from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine addiction. We look forward to working closely with the Governor and General Assembly on a permanent and adequate solution to this public health emergency.”

 

Vineland makes healthier food more accessible with new vending policy

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Vineland Healthy Vending Presentation

The American Heart Association congratulates the City of Vineland for adopting a healthy vending policy. Vineland is one of the first municipalities in the state to enact a healthy vending policy. The policy, which took effect on October 1, 2019, will bring healthier options to vending machines on city property, making healthy food consumption more … Read more

Lynchburg Heart Walk Executive Breakfast Event hosts region’s first Teen Vaping Panel

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The vaping crisis impacting our youth is growing each year. New studies from the American Heart Association show that 1 in 4 high school students is vaping and we know that the number of teen e-cigarette usage has doubled nationally over the past year. To combat the impact, the Association has launched its #QuitLying campaign, … Read more

American Heart Association CEO: Massachusetts law will protect kids from flavored tobacco products

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BOSTON, November 27, 2019 — Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker today signed into law the nation’s most far-reaching policy to eliminate flavored tobacco products, which are proven to appeal to kids and increase their likelihood of nicotine addiction. The law makes Massachusetts the first state in the country to eliminate the sale of all flavored tobacco products, … Read more

Massachusetts House passes flavored tobacco ban, vaping tax

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Massachusetts House lawmakers have approved a “first in the nation” bill that would ban the sale of all flavored tobacco products while also imposing a new 75 percent excise tax on nicotine vaping products. The ban would apply to menthol cigarettes. The American Heart Association praised the moved on Wednesday as an important step toward … Read more

American Heart Association praises Massachusetts lawmakers for supporting flavored tobacco ban

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The American Heart Association praised House Speaker Robert DeLeo, House Ways and Means Chairman Aaron Michlewitz and Rep. Danielle Gregoire on Tuesday for taking an important step in protecting future generations of Massachusetts residents from a lifetime of tobacco addiction. “The House Ways and Means Committee has sent a clear message that tobacco companies should … Read more

Allyson Perron Drag talks Mass. vaping ban on Horse Race podcast

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On this week’s Horse Race podcast, co-host Steve Koczela, of The MassINC Polling Group, talks about Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker’s temporary ban on vaping product sales with Allyson Perron Drag, government relations director for the American Heart Association. Listen below or wherever you get your podcasts. Allyson’s interview starts at 27:30.      

Boston 25 News examines Massachusetts vaping crisis

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There is a vaping epidemic in this country, especially among teens. Every day, over 3,500 youths start vaping. In 2018 alone, the number of high school students who vape nearly doubled. The number of Americans with vaping-related lung disease is climbing every week. The latest numbers from the CDC show 1,479 confirmed cases in the … Read more

American Heart Association Endorses Washington, D.C. Sugary Drink Tax Legislation to Promote Health Equity

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Washington, D.C., October 8, 2019 –The American Heart Association (AHA) strongly supports legislation introduced today by D.C. Councilmembers Brianne Nadeau, Mary Cheh, Trayon White, David Grosso, Brandon Todd, Charles Allen, Elissa Silverman, Chairman Phil Mendelson and Anita Bonds that would levy a 1.5 cents per ounce tax on sugary drinks. The revenue raised from the … Read more

Philadelphia City Council Passes Legislation Requiring Healthy Beverage Options on Children’s Meals

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“The American Heart Association would like to applaud Philadelphia City Council, and in particular Councilmember Reynolds Brown, for passing legislation that will require restaurants to make healthy beverages the default option for menu items designated for children,” stated Jacob Zychick, Community Advocacy Director in Philadelphia. According to this legislation, a food service establishment that offers … Read more

Public Health Organizations Respond to Virginia Governor’s Comments on E-Cigarettes

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The American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Tobacco21.org, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, and Tobacco Free Alliance of Virginia urge the Governor to take immediate action to restrict the sale of all flavored tobacco products including menthol cigarettes; and levy a $1.80 comparable tax on all tobacco products including electronic … Read more

American Heart Association reacts to Mass. vaping products ban

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On Tuesday afternoon, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker declared a public health emergency in response to confirmed and suspected cases of severe lung disease associated with the use of e-cigarettes and marijuana vaping products in Massachusetts. In doing so, the governor called for a temporary, four-month statewide ban on the sale of flavored and non-flavored vaping … Read more

Video: Massachusetts Lobby Day

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Each spring, American Heart Association volunteers visit the Massachusetts State House for our annual ‘Heart on the Hill’ lobby day. Throughout the day, these advocates visit the offices of their state senators and representatives and ask them to support bills being championed by the American Heart Association. This community of fathers and mothers, neighbors and … Read more

New York’s Governor Cuomo’s executive action doesn’t go far enough

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NEW YORK – The American Heart Association is very disappointed with the limited scope of the emergency executive action Gov. Cuomo took today, Sept. 15,  which would ban the sale of certain flavored e-cigarettes, and hopes that there is an opportunity to include all flavored tobacco products, including menthol combustible cigarettes. “This morning’s announcement by … Read more