Advocating for North Carolina Hearts: Our 2026-2027 Policy Priorities

These outcomes don’t happen by chance. They are shaped by the decisions we make in our schools, communities, and state government.

Our 2026-2027 North Carolina State and Community Policy Agenda focuses on evidence-based solutions that improve health, prevent disease, and save lives. Here’s what we’re working on this year.

Expanding Lifesaving CPR

When cardiac arrest happens, every second counts. We’re advocating for telecommunicator CPR (TCPR) training for all 911 dispatchers who provide emergency medical call services. This training helps dispatchers guide callers through CPR until emergency responders arrive, giving more North Carolinians a chance to survive a cardiac emergency.

Protecting Students Through Heart Health Assessments

We’re supporting evidence-based heart assessments for student athletes that align with national scientific guidance. These assessments help identify potential heart concerns early and support safer participation in school athletics.

Protecting Youth from Tobacco Addiction

We support raising the tobacco sales age to 21, establishing licensure standards for tobacco and electronic cigarette retailers, and repealing laws that penalize youth for possession, use, or purchase of tobacco products. These policies can help prevent nicotine addiction before it starts.

Improving School Food Access and Quality

Students need healthy meals to learn, grow, and succeed. We’re advocating to reduce ultra-processed foods in school meals, support cafeteria infrastructure improvements, and ensure every North Carolina public school student has access to free breakfast during the school day.

Expanding Healthy Food Access

We’re urging the state to fully fund Double Up SNAP NC, allowing SNAP participants to stretch their food dollars while purchasing healthy foods at farmers markets across the state.

Protecting Access to Care

Access to affordable care helps people prevent, manage, and recover from serious health conditions. We’re committed to preserving Medicaid expansion and protecting access to health care for North Carolinians.

Supporting Working Families

We’re advocating for paid family and medical leave policies that provide workers with the time they need to manage significant personal, medical, and family life events without sacrificing financial stability.

Supporting Nonprofits Through the RIFT Act

Nonprofit organizations play a critical role in improving health and serving communities across North Carolina. We support the Release of IRA Funds Timely (RIFT) Act, which would help tax-exempt organizations receive IRA beneficiary distributions more quickly and efficiently, allowing charitable resources to reach communities sooner.

Driving Local Change

Local communities play an important role in improving health. This year, we’re supporting efforts to update smoke-free air policies in Cary, Apex, Mecklenburg County, Durham County, and Orange County to protect residents from exposure to secondhand smoke and vaping.

Through Heart Powered, our grassroots advocacy network, North Carolinians can take action on the issues that matter most to heart and brain health. Whether you’re new to advocacy or a longtime champion, there’s a place for you to get involved. Together, we can advance policies that help every North Carolinian live a longer, healthier life.