South Dakota Heart Powered Day at the Capitol

Turning Passion into Policy for Healthier Communities

On February 11, 2026, the American Heart Association united its passionate Heart Powered advocates at the South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre for Heart at the Capitol Day, a day dedicated to raising voices for healthier lives and stronger communities. Twenty-four advocates, joined by the South Dakota Academy of Physician Assistants, the South Dakota Healthy Nutrition Collaborative, the American Lung Association, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, the Adam L. Thompson Foundation, and the South Dakota Public Health Association, united to champion policies that prevent disease, improve health, and save lives.

Throughout the day, advocates met with 61 lawmakers and legislative staff, many of whom were unaware commercial tobacco retailers are not licensed in South Dakota. Survivor Amber Garry shared her enthusiasm after speaking with legislators and returned to fellow volunteers energized, encouraging them to continue participating in future lobby days, including in 2027. Representative Roger DeGroot also reflected on the importance of emergency preparedness, recounting a recent Rotary Club meeting where police officers, sheriffs, and nurses were present when a member experienced a cardiac event. Because an AED was available and a response plan was in place, the individual’s life was saved, underscoring the life-saving impact of prevention and preparedness.

The impact extended well beyond the meetings themselves. As a result of these advocacy efforts, 31 legislators expressed support for the Cardiac Emergency Response Plan in Schools bill, 24 supported the Commercial Tobacco Retail Licensure bill, and 23 supported the incremental school meals bill. Additionally, six legislators showed interest in continuing discussions on the Stroke and Cardiac Systems of Care bills for the 2027 legislative session, with two legislators willing to consider carrying the legislation. Together, these outcomes demonstrate the powerful influence of collective action in driving meaningful change.

One of the most inspiring moments of the day was Survivor Amber Garry’s video where she shared on why others should get involved in the State Legislative Process. Her story reminded us that behind every policy is a person, and that advocacy is about turning personal experiences into progress for all.

South Dakota Heart Powered Day at the Capitol proved what’s possible when we unite to change the future of health: policies which protect hearts, prevent disease, and build healthier communities for generations to come.
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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.