A Great Day at the Oregon Capitol
February, 25 2026
On February 11, 2026, the American Heart Association hosted their annual Oregon Heart at the Capitol Day in Salem. The event brought together 25 passionate advocates from different parts of the state, from Portland to Bend and as far south as Grants Pass.
Volunteers met with 20 lawmakers about the importance of cardiac emergency response plans in schools. One of the most inspiring moments of the day was hearing from 15‑year‑old congenital heart disease advocate Kaleb Lahr, whose poised and heartfelt testimony underscored the urgency of the policy. His story reminded us that behind every policy is a person.
Throughout the day, advocates not only elevated the importance of cardiac emergency response plans but also uncovered new and deeply personal connections to the Heart Association mission.
Volunteers shared powerful stories from their meetings with legislators and their ties to the broader Nation of Lifesavers effort. One advocate spoke about a legislative aide who had previously been a tennis coach and witnessed a client collapse from sudden cardiac arrest, later helping their club develop its own CERP. Others reflected on colleagues and community members who quietly carry their own AEDs because of past experiences that shaped their commitment to preparedness.
These moments underscored how widespread and often unspoken these connections are, reinforcing that cardiac readiness is not an abstract policy issue but a lived reality that touches many people’s lives.
Volunteers’ impact did not stop at the meetings. While the work session had already been scheduled ahead of the event, the information gathered on February 11th proved critical afterward. Because advocates were able to meet with every member of the Senate committee, it helped prevent a subsequent referral to the budget committee, which likely would have meant the bill’s death.
As of today the bill has passed out of the Senate and is expected to be voted on this week in the House Education Committee.
Overall, Oregon Heart at the Capitol 2026, was a resounding success. The day brought together people with shared passion and allowed them to make their voices heard.