Advocating for Heart Health: Our 2025 State Policy Priorities
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 Florida.
State Policy Priorities
Funding for Cardiac Emergency Response Plans and CPR in Schools
Support public funding to help schools implement HB 1607 passed in 2025, which prepares them to respond to cardiac emergencies. This includes creating Plans for Urgent Lifesaving School Emergencies (PULSE) and teaching hands-on CPR skills to middle and high school students before graduation.
Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring (SMBP)
Support Medicaid coverage for self-measured blood pressure monitoring devices to help patients manage hypertension more effectively. These tools empower individuals to track their health at home and improve long-term outcomes.
Heart Health Program Funding
Support state funding for state public health programs that address heart disease, stroke, and related risk factors. These programs are essential for prevention, education, and early intervention.
Tobacco Cessation Coverage
Support sustainable public funding for state tobacco prevention and control programs, with investment levels that meet or exceed CDC-recommended thresholds to maximize impact.
Medicaid Expansion
More than 315,000 Floridians remain caught in the coverage gap – earning too much to qualify for Medicaid but too little to afford coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Expanding Medicaid would provide thousands of families with access to the care they need, from routine checkups to emergency services.
Community Policy Priorities
Leon County: Complete Streets
Support Complete Streets policies in Leon County that prioritize the needs, safety, and accessibility for all road users – making streets safer and more inclusive for those who walk, bike, roll, or use public transit.
Martin County & St. Petersburg: Fresh Fruits and Vegetables through SNAP Incentives
Support local public funding for the Fresh Access Bucks (FAB) program in both Martin County and St. Petersburg. This initiative helps participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) stretch their food dollars while promoting the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables.
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.