WASHINGTON, D.C., September 30, 2026  — Washington, D.C. and Arlington, VA. ranked among 2026’s healthiest cities in the United States. Individual behaviors like exercise, healthy eating, sleeping and nonsmoking were major contributors.

However, gaps remain:

  • 36% of people in the DMV region report not knowing where their next meal will come from.
  • Across D.C., Maryland and Virginia, about 30% of people have high blood pressure.
  • More than 16% of Washingtonians are tobacco smokers. 

 “A healthier Greater Washington Region is within reach,” said Yolandra Hancock, M.D., M.P.H., advocacy and partnerships chair for the American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region Board of Directors and community physician and pediatrician. “Our schools play a critical role, where we need to increase access to healthy meals and decrease the influence of big tobacco, while ensuring students continue to receive high-quality, lifesaving CPR education. Our communities also need access to free and low-cost healthy meals and opportunities for informed dining. When our students, families and communities are supported and informed, we all benefit.”

The Association unveiled the following policy priorities for the next year in Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and Prince George’s and Montgomery County, Maryland.

Washington, D.C.

  • CPR in Schools Implementation Funding: Secure funding for schools to continue implementing skill-based CPR training, which adheres to national guidelines for high school graduation.
  • Healthy School Meals for All: Support expansion of healthy school meals with funding that provides healthy school meals for all students in all schools. (MD & VA state-level campaigns as well)
  • Healthy Food Access and Infrastructure: Expand healthy food incentive programs, including SNAP, and programs that increase fruit and vegetable consumption to prevent and treat diet-related chronic diseases. Additionally, protect and fund the Food Policy Office, a key coordinating body for nutrition security policy, initiatives, public reporting and cross-sector collaboration. 
  • Tobacco Retail Licensure: Strengthen licensure standards for retailers of tobacco products and electronic smoking devices in order to ensure minimum legal sales age is being enforced, flavor restrictions are being followed, and where applicable, taxes are being collected.
  • Tobacco Control Funding: Secure funding for comprehensive tobacco prevention and cessation programs to prevent youth initiation, support quitting and ensure effective enforcement of tobacco control policies.
  • Paid Family and Medical Leave: Support and protect policies that ensure employees have access to paid family and medical leave to care for themselves or loved ones during major life events, serious health conditions, and the birth, adoption or fostering of a child.

Maryland

  • Restaurant Nutrient Warning Labels: Establish warning menu icons in chain restaurants for food items with high sodium and/or added sugars content in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.

Virginia

  • Tobacco Retail Restriction Near Schools: Support zoning policies in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William’s counties that prevent new tobacco retail locations from opening near schools.

Greater Washington Region residents can sign up to get involved at HeartPowered.org.

 

 

 

###

 

 

 

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries:

Hannah Ross; hannah.ross@heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org