Washington Advocates take on Capitol Hill

Washington Advocates Urge Lawmakers to Fund the HEARTS Act

Last week, 150 American Heart Association Heart Powered advocates from 47 states—including a passionate group from Washington—traveled to Washington, D.C., to urge lawmakers to fund the HEARTS Act.

The HEARTS Act is a bipartisan bill that authorizes the creation of a federal grant program to help schools respond to cardiac emergencies. It supports the purchase and maintenance of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and provides CPR training for students and school staff. Although the bill passed unanimously in 2024, funding was not included. Advocates met with members of Congress to push for funding in the 2026 budget.

Each year, an estimated 23,000 children under age 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, with about 40% of those incidents occurring during sports activities. In schools equipped with AEDs, the survival rate for cardiac arrest is nearly 70%.

Washington’s advocates brought diverse perspectives—from student athletes to an elected fire commissioner and survivors—all united in their mission to make schools safer and better prepared for cardiac emergencies.

Winlock Resident, Ray Shipman on his day at the Capitol: “As we promoted appropriations for the HEARTS Act, we saw democracy in motion. Our voices met with open doors and genuine engagement from our representatives, their compassion, questions and commitment reminded us that change begins when advocacy meetings empathy”

Ridgefield advocate and parent, Holly Tucci on her day on Capitol Hill, sharing her Congenital Heart Defect story as well as the story of her 12-year-old son Mason: “Living the Heart Powered life is far from easy. This last year has been full of many challenges. What I know to be true, is that especially in difficult times is when we need to gather together most and share our stories as we did in DC last week. What an honor it is to be in community with this dynamic group and to share together with our legislators how vital this work is and is truly about life and death outcomes. Living and thriving continue to be my whys along with using my voice for those who no longer can”

Now is the time to tell your elected officials to fund the HEARTS Act. Text AED to 46839 to take action.