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Heart Attack and Stroke Symptoms

Illinois’ legislative session is near!

Illinois’s 2026 legislative session is fast approaching! Beginning on January 14th, lawmakers will begin to consider a wide range of issues, and your advocacy ensures that health remains a top priority. There are a handful of policies we will be pursuing. Let’s dive into a few of those issues:

  1. Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) – Though Illinois passed CERPs a few years ago, the bill did not include all the critical provisions that make CERPs as effective as possible. This update requires schools to have yearly CERP drills and train paid head coaches in CPR. Both requirements make schools safer and guarantee that staff are prepared in the event of a cardiac emergency.
  2. CERPs Implementation Funding – Funding for CERPs can be used to purchase and maintain AEDs, train staff in CPR, and for other related expenses.
  3. Healthy Schools Meals for All Funding – While lawmakers passed a bill to make sure children receive free school lunches, they didn’t provide funding for the program. We are asking lawmakers to secure enough funds to feed the kids who need it most.

Your voice matters! As an American Heart Association Heart Powered advocate, you can help shape Illinois’ laws and make your community healthier. Keep an eye on your inbox for opportunities to take action that make a big difference. Together, we can unite to change the future of health.