Kentucky, Jan. 7, 2025 — As the 2025 Kentucky General Assembly begins its work this month, the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, has worked with volunteer advocates from across the state to announce its policy agenda for the upcoming legislative session. This agenda focuses on key initiatives essential to improving the health and well-being of all Kentuckians.
During the 2024 legislative session, the Association was able to successfully advance legislation to ensure longer, healthier lives for all through the work in key policy areas. One such success was legislation requiring Cardiac Emergency Response Plans/AEDs in all Kentucky public schools, accompanied by a $2.5M appropriation to support this requirement. While not all priorities were passed, the Association made great forward movement in advancing key policy items during the 2024 Kentucky Legislative Session and intends to keep the same momentum as the 2025 session begins.
During the 2025 Kentucky Legislative Session, the Association aims to continue to focus on several key initiatives that aim to increase healthcare access and improve the heart/brain health of Kentuckians.
- Secure funding to support heart/brain health in Kentucky. This appropriation will support the Kentucky Heart Disease and Stroke Program, the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival and the mandate for CPR training for students prior to graduation from high school.
- To prevent youth access/initiation, require nicotine/tobacco retailers to maintain a state license. This will allow annual compliance checks and escalating penalties for retailers who break the law and sell to anyone under 21 years of age.
- Defend against expected threats to SNAP (food stamps) and Medicaid. Access to food and healthcare is vital to improving the health of Kentuckians.
The American Heart Association urges Kentucky lawmakers to prioritize these essential policies to improve the health of all Kentuckians. 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 February 6 to visit with Legislators about these key issues. Association advocates will also be at the State Capitol on the following day, February 7, to commemorate Heart Month/Wear Red Day and bring awareness to hands-only CPR.
To support the Association’s work in Kentucky, join the American Heart Association’s You’re the Cure network by texting KY 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:
Afton Fairchild, Afton.Fairchild@heart.org
Leah Rafferty, Leah.Rafferty@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org