COLUMBIA, S.C. Dec. 13, 2024 — The American Heart Association is pleased to announce its advocacy agenda for the upcoming legislative session, focusing on two key initiatives essential to improving the health and well-being of all South Carolinians: The Smart Heart Act and Medicaid Expansion. These priorities aim to protect students from preventable death from sudden cardiac arrest and to improve health outcomes for communities across the state.

Implementing Cardiac Emergency Response Plans

Cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and timely intervention is critical to survival. The Association is advocating for South Carolina to enact the Smart Heart Act, which would require public schools to implement cardiac emergency response plans. This legislation would ensure schools are equipped with the training, tools, and resources to respond quickly and effectively to cardiac emergencies on school grounds. By implementing comprehensive protocols, ensuring the availability of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces, improving access to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, and promoting quick response times, South Carolina can dramatically improve survival rates for students experiencing sudden cardiac arrest in schools.

Currently, South Carolina law lacks a coordinated statewide cardiac emergency response model for schools to follow. While existing state law requires each high school to have an AED, it does not mandate that these AEDs be strategically placed to ensure they are readily accessible in the event of sudden cardiac arrest. Furthermore, AEDs are not required at venues where school-sponsored athletic practices and competitions take place, meaning an AED may not be available to save the life of a student athlete experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.

Expanding Medicaid

Heart disease and stroke remain the leading causes of death and disability in the U.S. and disproportionately affect low-income individuals, particularly those in rural areas with limited access to healthcare. According to the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, the state ranks high in cardiovascular risk factors including obesity, hypertension, and high cholesterol, with over 70% of adults being overweight or obese. In 2021 alone, heart disease claimed 12,210 lives in the state and resulted in over $4.8 billion in hospitalization costs.

Medicaid expansion would provide crucial healthcare access to approximately 345,000 South Carolinians currently in the "coverage gap," unable to afford insurance. Nationally, 28% of Medicaid recipients have cardiovascular conditions, underscoring the importance of this coverage for prevention, treatment, and disease management.

States that have expanded Medicaid have seen improved access to preventive services, better management of chronic conditions, and significant reductions in uninsured hospitalizations and medical costs. Expanding Medicaid in South Carolina would provide lifesaving healthcare to hundreds of thousands of residents, reduce health disparities, and alleviate the burden of chronic diseases, including heart disease and stroke.

In addition to these priorities, the Association is also working to make an impact in the following areas:

  • Advocating for Healthy Connections to provide coverage for self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) services and devices.
  • Facilitating the state’s participation in the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES) to gather comprehensive and high-quality data on cardiac arrests occurring statewide.
  • Expanding South Carolina’s sales tax exemption for non-profit organizations to better support their efforts in fulfilling their missions.
  • Increasing the funding South Carolina dedicates to tobacco cessation and prevention programs.
  • Promoting South Carolina’s involvement in the SUN Bucks program to provide food for school-aged children during the summer.

The American Heart Association urges South Carolina lawmakers to prioritize these essential policies to improve the health of all South Carolinians. Together, we can work to reduce the number of deaths caused by heart disease, expand access to life-saving healthcare, and promote healthier communities across the state.

To support the enactment of the Smart Heart Act, join the American Heart Association’s You're the Cure network by texting SMARTSC to 46839. Members will receive regular updates about these bills and opportunities to engage with elected officials in support of these initiatives.

###  

 

About the American Heart Association  

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments as we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.     

 

For Media Inquiries:

Maranda Williams; maranda.williams@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org