Georgia Gold Dome Goes Red: Turning Passion into Policy for Healthier Communities

On February 5th, 2026, the American Heart Association united its passionate Heart Powered advocates at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta for Heart at the Capitol Day, a day dedicated to raising voices for healthier lives and stronger communities. Over thirty advocates came together to champion policies that prevent disease, improve health, and save lives.

Discussions centered on Stroke Registry funding, student heart assessments, and tobacco cessation coverage for Medicaid recipients, sparking meaningful dialogue about how policy can create environments where everyone has the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives. Throughout the day, advocates met with more than 60 lawmakers and legislative staff, including Representative Mark Newton, an emergency room physician who was especially moved by several youth advocates’ stories of experiencing cardiac arrest while being physically active.

The impact didn’t stop at the meetings. Thanks to these efforts, we built support for heart assessment bill HB970, which passed unanimously out of the House, showing the incredible power of people coming together to advocate for change.

One of the most inspiring moments of the day came from two students who experienced cardiac arrests during athletic events and shared their stories to highlight the importance of athlete heart assessments. Their testimony was a powerful reminder that behind every policy is a person, and that advocacy transforms personal experiences into progress for all.

Georgia Gold Dome Goes Red 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.