Illinois 2026 Heart at the Capitol!

On May 5, 2026, the American Heart Association united passionate Heart Powered advocates in Springfield, Illinois, for Illinois 2026 Heart at the Capitol, a day dedicated to raising voices for healthier lives and stronger communities. Fourteen advocates, alongside Illinois Heart Rescue, came together to champion policies that prevent disease, improve health, and save lives.

Throughout the day, advocates held 24 meetings with elected officials like Leaders Evans, Lilly, and Morrison, as well as Senator Joyce. Senator Joyce met with his constituent, Miss Teen Chicago Alexis McCullough, to discuss why heart health matters and how smart policies can make a real difference.

These conversations focused on Acute Cardiac Events in Schools, Acute Cardiac Events in Schools Implementation Funding, and CPR in Schools Implementation Funding, sparking meaningful dialogue about the important role policy plays in creating environments where everyone has the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives.

The impact extended beyond the meetings themselves. Thanks to these advocacy efforts, Leader Morrison became a chief co- sponsor of our main initiative, demonstrating the incredible power of people coming together to advocate for change.

One of the most inspiring moments of the day came when Miss Teen Chicago Alexis McCullough shared the story of losing her father to heart disease. Additionally, Dr. Alex Waldherr, a sports medicine physician, emphasized the importance of coaches knowing CPR in situations like his district, where ongoing construction has caused school sports teams to practice at multiple scattered locations. Together, their stories served as powerful reminders that behind every policy is a person, and that advocacy is about transforming personal experiences into progress that protects and saves lives for all.

Illinois 2026 Heart at the Capitol proved what’s possible when we unite to change the future of health: advancing policies that protect hearts, prevent disease, and build healthier communities for generations to come.

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