Colorado Heart at the Capitol 2026

As advocates prepared to meet with their legislators during the 2026 Colorado Heart at the Capitol Day, they watched a powerful video sharing the story of Jordan O’Connell, a high school senior and cardiac arrest survivor.

Jordan collapsed during a junior varsity football game, but the quick actions of the trainer in utilizing an automated external defibrillator (AED) and providing CPR saved his life. The video served as a reminder there’s a person behind every policy, and that advocacy is about turning personal experiences into progress for all.

Jordan, along with his mother and sister, were part of more than 50 advocates who gathered to ask legislators to fund AEDs in athletics. Also participating was Miss Colorado, Gabrielle Gramont and various other local Miss America title holders, as well as members of the Colorado Athletic Trainers Association.

Throughout the day, advocates met with 20 state leaders. Key advocates met with Speaker of the House Julie McCluskie and Senate President James Coleman. During these meetings, advocates shared why heart health matters and how smart policies can make a real difference. Conversations centered on CPR in Schools implementation funding and AED access in athletics.

Want to learn more? You can watch Jordan’s story here. Also, check out our Facebook post.

Your voice matters — act now! Join American Heart Association Heart Powered and help shape policies that save lives. Visit https://heartpowered.org or text HEART to 46839 today to make an immediate impact.