Advocating for Heart Health: Our 2025-26 State Policy Priorities
September, 16 2025
Everyone deserves the chance to live a long, healthy life. That’s why we’re focused on advancing policies that improve cardiovascular health and reduce the impact of heart disease and stroke. As we look ahead, these are the key state and community priorities we’re championing across Alabama.
State Policy Priorities
Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring (SMBP)
High blood pressure is the easiest modifiable risk factor for better heart health, but it often goes unnoticed. Self-measured blood pressure monitoring (SMBP) allows people to track their numbers at home, giving them more control over their health. We support Medicaid coverage for these devices to help patients manage hypertension more effectively. When paired with clinical support, SMBP can lead to better blood pressure control and improved long-term outcomes.
Medicaid Expansion
More than 220,000 Alabamians remain caught in the coverage gap – earning too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Expanding Medicaid would give these individuals access to prevent care, chronic disease management, and lifesaving treatments they need.
CPR in Schools
Every student should graduate with the skills to save a life. We’re advocating for funding to help schools implement hands-on CPR training that meets national emergency cardiovascular care (ECC) guidelines. This training empowers students to act in an emergency – whether at home, school, or in the community.
Healthy School Meals for All
Nutritious meals help kids learn, grow, and thrive. We support expanding access to free, nutritious school meals through programs like the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). No child should have to learn on an empty stomach. Our goal is to secure funding that makes healthy meals accessible to every student.
Community Policy Priorities
Smoke-Free Air
Everyone deserves to breathe clean air – especially at work and in public places. Secondhand smoke is a serious health hazard, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic conditions. We support comprehensive local smoke-free laws that protect workers and patrons in all workplaces, including restaurants and bars. Cities like Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, and Dothan have the opportunity to lead the way in creating healthier communities.
Complete Streets in Montgomery
Safe, accessible streets benefit everyone – whether you walk, bike, drive, or use public transit. We’re advocating for Montgomery to adopt a Complete Streets policy ensuring that roads are designed with all users in mind, not just vehicles.
Join Us in Making a Difference
These priorities reflect our commitment to building healthier communities through science, advocacy, and action. Whether it’s expanding access to care, improving school health, or creating safer public spaces, we’re working every day to ensure that heart health is a priority for all.
Your voice matters. If you’re already part of American Heart Association Heart Powered, watch for upcoming alerts and opportunities to take action on these efforts. Not a member yet? Join at heartpowered.org/join today and help us drive change that saves lives.