A Great Day at the Utah Capitol
February, 26 2026
On February 10th, 2026, the American Heart Association hosted their annual Utah Heart at the Capitol Day, bringing together twenty-five passionate volunteers including people from the Utah PTA, Miss Utah Organization, Heart Association board of directors, and Utah CERP coalition.
Volunteers met with 18 lawmakers to ask for their support on two important bills.
SB244 – Cardiac Emergency Response Plans in Schools (CERP)
HB337 – Raising the tobacco tax (something Utah hasn’t done in almost 16 years)
One of the most inspiring moments of the day was when Shaye Johnson, an ICU nurse, CPR instructor, and Miss Rocky Mountain Utah, shared a powerful story about watching her father save her cousin’s life with CPR during a family camping trip. Her experience underscored the critical importance of being prepared to respond in the event of an emergency. Her story reminded us that behind every policy is a person.
The week after Heart at the Capitol both bills passed out of committee. The tobacco tax legislation has passed out of the House and CERP bill is on the calendar to be voted on any day in the Senate.
Overall, Utah 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.