The American Heart Association’s Rhode Island advocacy team works to advance policies at the state and local levels that will further our mission of being a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. This lifesaving work is done in collaboration with volunteers, youth advocates, coalition partners, community organizations, legislators, and state agency staff. We are pleased to share our progress and thank everyone involved in these campaigns. Together we are building a healthier Ocean State!

Success!

• Cardiac Emergency Preparedness in Schools: Legislation was enacted that requires cardiac emergency response plans for middle and high school buildings and school athletic venues across the state. This new law will ensure faculty and staff are prepared to act in the event of a cardiac arrest when every second counts and an immediate response is critical.
• Health Insurance Affordability: The FY27 budget creates and funds the Rhode Island Marketplace Affordability Program to reduce health insurance premiums for low- and moderate-income consumers enrolled in health insurance coverage through HealthSource RI by partially replacing expired federal assistance. The program will prioritize households with incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level.
• Access to Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: The FY27 budget funds the Eat Well, Be Well Incentive Program that rewards health-conscious food purchases for customers using SNAP benefits at participating retailers and the Farm Fresh RI Bonus Bucks Program that doubles the value of SNAP dollars to spend on locally sourced produce at farmers markets and farm stands. Both programs increase access to healthy fruits and vegetables for Rhode Islanders struggling to feed themselves and their families.
• Tobacco and Nicotine: Three misguided tobacco proposals that would have rolled back protections for kids by reducing taxes on certain tobacco products and allowing flavored e-cigarettes back on the market in Rhode Island were defeated.

Close, but not quite there…

• Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring: Legislation to require Medicaid coverage of self-measured blood pressure monitoring for pregnant and postpartum moms unanimously passed the Senate, and significant progress was made in the House. Advocates are determined to get this vital measure across the finish line next year.

Policy campaigns that will continue in 2027:

• Cardiac emergency response plans for elementary schools
• Healthy School Meals for All
• Nutrition standards for restaurant kids’ meals
• Paid family leave improvements

Contact: Megan Tucker, Region Senior Director, Field Advocacy, [email protected]