Alabama Heart at the Capitol Lobby Day: Student‑Focused Advocacy in Action

On March 3, 2026, the American Heart Association hosted Alabama Heart at the Capitol Lobby Day in Montgomery. Advocates gathered at the Alabama State House to advance policies that protect lives and improve community health.

Twenty-nine advocates participated and held 33 meetings with state legislators. Conversations with bill sponsors, legislative leadership, and education budget chairs focused on two priorities: funding to implement CPR in schools and funding to ensure all students have access to breakfast during the school day. These discussions showed how policy decisions directly affect student health and long-term outcomes.

From Policy to Practice in Alabama Schools

Advocates also highlighted the real-world impact of existing policies. For example, Charlotte Richey, a 15-year-old student from Oneonta High School, spoke about surviving sudden cardiac arrest at school one year earlier. Her school had a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan and access to AEDs, made possible through CERP legislation and a $5 million state appropriation for AEDs in schools.

Representative Ed Oliver, sponsor of the CERP legislation, recognized Charlotte on the House floor and thanked the Legislature for passing the law and funding AEDs in schools. Charlotte also met with Representative Danny Garrett, Chair of the Education Trust Fund Committee, who invited her to attend a committee meeting and thanked her for highlighting the importance of schools being prepared for cardiac emergencies.

Heart Health Champions at the State House

Throughout the day, advocates met with health champions, including Representative Susan Dubose, a former American Heart Association board member, and Senators Tim Melson and Keith Hovey, sponsors of the CERP legislation. Senator Melson shared his own survivor story, explaining how CPR saved his life during a heart attack while serving overseas. He later championed CPR and AED education in schools. Advocates also met with Senator Tom Butler, a heart survivor who previously passed legislation requiring AEDs in schools.

These conversations took place during active budget negotiations. Shortly after the event, the Education Budget passed out of committee with both funding requests included. This outcome demonstrated the impact of coordinated advocacy and personal storytelling.

Moving Alabama Forward Together

Alabama Heart at the Capitol Lobby Day showed what advocates can accomplish together. By sharing their voices and experiences, participants helped move policies forward that save lives, strengthen schools, and build healthier communities across Alabama.