Maryland Lobby Day 2025: Advocates uniting to change the future of health

On March 5th, 2025, the American Heart Association, in partnership with the For Our Kids Coalition and the Healthy School Meals for All Coalition, hosted Maryland Lobby Day 2025 at the Capitol Building in Annapolis. The event brought together over fifty passionate advocates, legislators, and coalition members to push for critical health policy changes. The main focuses were advocating for a Sugary Drink Tax and increased investment in School Food Access and Quality.

Throughout the day, advocates held over two hundred meetings with legislators and their staff. These discussions were met with a positive response, with many legislators expressing strong support and committing to continued dialogue. Notably, lawmakers were engaged in thoughtful conversations about the need for reducing sugary drink consumption, with public health medical students playing a pivotal role in making the issue more relatable and accessible to all.

The immediate outcomes of the day were promising, with a solid foundation set for the hearing the following day (Optional- add to this). The event was filled with inspiring stories and impactful moments. Delegate Shetty, the bill sponsor, passionately underscored the importance of funding for these initiatives, emphasizing that they would not only improve public health but also benefit the state of Maryland in the long run.

Overall, Maryland Lobby Day 2025 was a resounding success, showcasing the strength of advocates coming together to change the future of health. By speaking out and standing up for policies that promote healthier communities, the event exemplified the collective power of advocates in shaping a healthier future for all.