FARGO, January 7, 2025 — As the 2025 North Dakota Session begins its work this week, the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, worked with volunteer advocates from across the state to announce its policy agenda for the upcoming legislative session, focusing on key initiatives essential to improving the health and well-being of all North Dakotans.
During the 2023 North Dakota legislative session, the association was able to successfully advance legislation to ensure longer, healthier lives for all through the work in key policy areas, including extending and funding Medicaid maternal health coverage for new moms, increasing access to quality childcare programming and maintaining the stroke & cardiac registry program funding. The Association also celebrated successful implementation of Self-Measured Blood Pressure equipment and coverage for North Dakotans on Medicaid and celebrated the expansion of the Cardiac Ready Communities program with the ND State Capitol Complex being named as one of the state’s first Cardiac Ready Campuses.
Looking ahead to the 2025 North Dakota Legislative Session, the Association intends to continue to focus on four key initiatives that aim to prepare North Dakota schools and athletic facilities to respond to cardiac emergencies, reduce access to harmful commercial tobacco products to youth and ensure all North Dakota children have access to healthy school meals. The Association will advocate for the following policies:
- Join the Nation of Lifesavers by encouraging adoption of Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPS) in all schools & athletic facilities to strengthen protections for our children in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest.
- Support the increase of commercial tobacco tax, including parity on other commercial tobacco & nicotine products.
- Advocate for healthy school meals for all.
- Strengthen Stroke and Cardiac Systems of Care designations & confirm funding as well as increasing the opportunity for Cardiac Ready Communities and Campuses.
The American Heart Association urges North Dakota lawmakers to prioritize these essential policies to improve the health of all North Dakotans. 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. In addition, Association advocates will be at the State Capitol on January 31 to visit with Legislators about these key issues.
To support the Association’s work in North Dakota, join the American Heart Association’s You’re the Cure network by texting ND to 46839. Members will receive regular updates about these bills and opportunities to engage with elected officials in support of these initiatives.
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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, on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Chrissy Meyer: 605-360-2542; chrissy.meyer@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org