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Heart Attack and Stroke Symptoms

Advocating for Georgia Hearts: Our 2026-2027 Policy Priorities

October 27, 2026

Every student deserves access to healthy school meals. Every person experiencing a stroke deserves the best possible care and outcomes. Georgians also deserve access to affordable health care, paid leave when they need it, and communities that support healthy living.

These outcomes don’t happen by chance. They are shaped by the policies and investments made in our schools, communities, and government.

Our 2026-2027 Georgia 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.

Improving Stroke Care

We’re advocating for funding for the Coverdell Acute Stroke Registry. Better data helps health systems improve care, leading to better outcomes for stroke patients and families across Georgia.

Expanding Access to Care

We’re working to fully expand Medicaid in Georgia and ensure Medicaid covers comprehensive tobacco cessation services, including counseling and medication with little or no cost-sharing. These policies can help more Georgians access the care and support they need to stay healthy.

Supporting Healthy School Meals

Every student should have access to healthy meals during the school day. We’re supporting statewide expansion of Healthy School Meals for All and state participation in Summer EBT SUN Bucks to help children access nutritious food year-round.

Supporting Working Families

We’re advocating for a comprehensive paid family and medical leave policy so Georgians can care for themselves or their loved ones during significant life events without sacrificing financial stability.

Protecting Young Hearts

We’re supporting statewide guidelines for student-athlete heart assessments that follow clinical guidance from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology. These assessments can help identify potential heart concerns early and support safer participation in sports.

Supporting Nonprofits Through the RIFT Act

Nonprofit organizations play a critical role in improving health and serving communities across Georgia. We support the Release of IRA Funds Timely (RIFT) Act, which would help ensure charitable organizations receive IRA and retirement-plan bequests in a timely manner. By reducing delays in distributing these gifts, the RIFT Act would help nonprofits put charitable resources to work more quickly in support of their missions and the communities they serve.

Driving Local Change

Communities across Georgia are leading the way on heart health. This year, we’re supporting:

  • Complete Streets initiatives in Savannah and Augusta to help create safer, more accessible transportation options for all users.
  • Smoke-free air efforts in DeKalb County, Douglas County, and Albany to protect residents from secondhand smoke and vaping.
  • Local tobacco zoning initiatives that help reduce youth access to tobacco products.
  • Cardiac emergency response planning in Atlanta recreation centers to help ensure staff are prepared to respond in an emergency.
  • Produce prescription funding in Fulton County to expand access to healthy foods for residents living with diet-related health conditions.

Through Heart Powered, our grassroots advocacy network, Georgians 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 Georgian live a longer, healthier life.