Florida Heart Advocacy Day: Turning Passion into Policy for a Healthier State
February, 20 2026
On February 11, 2026, the American Heart Association united passionate Heart Powered advocates at the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee for Florida Heart at the Capitol Advocacy Day. Twenty advocates came together to champion policies that prevent disease, improve health, and save lives.
Advocates Meet with State Lawmakers
Throughout the day, they met with 35 lawmakers and legislative staff to share why heart health matters. They also explained how smart policies can make a real difference. Among those they met with were Rep. Lawrence McClure, Chair of House Budget Committee; Rep. Josie Tomkow, Chair of House Health & Human Services Committee; Rep. Dana Trabulsy, Chair of Education Administration; Rep. Adam Anderson, Chair of House Healthcare & Facilities; Sen. Danny Burgess, Chair of Appropriations on PreK-12 Education; and Sen. Corey Simon, Chair of Senate Education.
These conversations focused on funding to implement CPR in Schools and on Medicaid coverage for self-measured blood pressure (SMBP). Advocates sparked meaningful dialogue about the critical role policy plays in creating environments where everyone has the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives. And importantly, the impact didn’t stop at the meetings.
Advocates meet with Sen. Corey Simon, Chair of Senate Education
Strong Legislative Champions Step Forward
We have already secured strong legislative champions for our priorities. Sen. Danny Burgess and Rep. Brian Hodgers have sponsored SMBP legislation – Florida Senate Bill 736 and Florida House Bill 781. Additionally, Sen. Jim Boyd and Rep. Dana Trabulsy have sponsored the appropriations request for CPR in Schools implementation. Altogether, their support is a testament to the incredible power of leaders from across the state coming together to advocate for change.
One of the most inspiring moments of the week took place during our legislative briefing, held the evening before Advocacy Day. We were pleased when Sen. Burgess and Rep. Hodgers joined us to share thoughtful remarks. Their leadership on SMBP legislation has been instrumental in bringing cardiovascular issues and heart health to the forefront.
Honoring Heart Champion
During the briefing, we proudly presented Sen. Burgess with the 2025 Heart Champion Legislative Award for his leadership last year. He helped shepherd legislation requiring schools to establish cardiac emergency response plans and teach students CPR. The legislation was successfully signed into law. His commitment and partnership were powerful reminders that behind every policy is a person and that advocacy is about turning personal experiences into meaningful progress for all.
Florida Heart Advocacy Day proved what’s possible when we unite to change the future of health. Together, we can help advance policies that protect hearts, prevent disease, and build healthier communities for generations to come.