Turning Passion into Policy for Healthier Communities

On January 15, 2026, the American Heart Association brought together its passionate Heart Powered advocates at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix for Heart at the Capitol Day, a day dedicated to raising voices for healthier lives and stronger communities. Forty-one advocates, along with partners from the Arizona Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs) Coalition, including Project ADAM, American College of Cardiology – Arizona, and the Arizona Athletic Trainers Association, came together to champion policies that prevent disease, improve health, and save lives.

Advocates from across Arizona met in person with over 40 legislative offices and ensured that all 90 lawmakers received materials outlining the importance of cardiac emergency response plans in schools. These broad and targeted touchpoints reinforced consistent messaging across both chambers and helped ensure lawmakers understood both the policy and its lifesaving impact.

In addition, advocates secured meetings with key legislative leaders, including the Senate President and the Chair of the Senate Appropriations committee, which are critical given that our priority legislation is originating in the Senate. These conversations played an important role in elevating the bill’s importance early in the process and laying the groundwork for continued momentum.

A particularly impactful moment came from families who shared deeply personal stories highlighting the life-saving impact of our work. The Midkiff family spoke about how last year’s AEDs in high school athletics legislation has already made a difference and why building on that progress through cardiac emergency response plans in schools is critical to protecting students and staff. Their story powerfully demonstrated how policy changes translate into real-world outcomes for families and communities.

Additionally, the Gowitt family shared their CPR story, underscoring the importance of knowing CPR and needing to know how to act in an emergency with a plan and training. Their remarks reinforced why access to CPR education and rapid response can mean the difference between life and death, leaving a lasting impression on lawmakers and attendees alike. Their story reminded us that behind every policy is a person, and that advocacy is about turning personal experiences into progress for all.

Together, these discussions emphasized why heart health matters and how smart policies can make a real difference. Conversations focused on Acute Cardiac Events in School, sparking meaningful dialogue about the role policy plays in creating environments where everyone has the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives.

The impact didn’t stop at the meetings. Thanks to these efforts, at the conclusion of the event, our bill moved forward in its next step and was assigned to committees, showing the incredible power of people coming together to advocate for change.

Heart at the Capitol proved what’s possible when we unite to change the future of health: policies that protect hearts, prevent disease, and build healthier communities for generations to come.

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Your voice matters—act now! Join American Heart Association Heart Powered and help shape policies that save lives. Visit www.heartpowered.org or text HEART to 46839 today to make an immediate impact.