California Heart at the Capitol 2025: Advocates uniting to change the future of health

On April 22, 2025, the American Heart Association hosted its annual California Heart at the Capitol event at the State Capitol in Sacramento, bringing together 97 passionate advocates, including legislators, volunteers, and students from Galileo Academy of Science & Technology. The event focused on three critical policy priorities: expanding School Food Access and Quality, increasing Healthier Options at Restaurants, and strengthening Tobacco Control through the implementation and enforcement of California’s flavored tobacco ban.

Throughout the day, advocates held an impressive 70 meetings with legislators and their staff. The response was overwhelmingly positive—many legislators voiced their support and expressed interest in ongoing conversations. Several even requested a sign-on letter in support of the School Meals for All budget request. A particularly promising meeting with staff from the office of the Senate President Pro Tempore led to clear expressions of support for our shared policy goals. In a powerful testament to the momentum of the day, one of the bills our advocates championed successfully passed out of committee that same afternoon.

The immediate outcomes of the event were both encouraging and impactful. Advocates helped secure additional vote commitments for the two priority bills and gained increased legislative support for the school meals budget proposal.

The day was also filled with heartfelt moments and powerful storytelling. Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry served as a guest speaker, delivering an inspiring message about the importance of heart health and equitable access to school meals. Survivors were also in attendance, sharing their personal journeys in both group settings and legislative meetings—bringing to life the urgency and importance of the issues.

“As a heart disease survivor, Heart at the Capitol is deeply personal to me,” said American Heart Association Sacramento Board Member, Lindsay Samples. “This event transforms personal stories into powerful advocacy — it’s a unique opportunity to stand with others, speak directly to lawmakers, and champion legislation that protects and uplifts our communities. It’s about ensuring every survivor, and every at-risk individual has a fighting chance.”

Overall, California Heart at the Capitol was a resounding success. It showcased the strength of collective advocacy and the power of community voices in shaping policy. Together, we took meaningful steps toward creating a healthier California—one policy, one conversation, and one story at a time.

See here why our passionate advocates show up for California Heart at the Capitol—and help amplify their voices by liking and sharing our Facebook post.