In July 2012 the Washington Advocacy Advisory Committee approved the 2013 Legislative agenda. Here is what we’re planning to work on in 2013 in Washington.
2013 Public Policy Agenda
Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
The American Heart Association / American Stroke Association supports and advocates for public policies that will help improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent while reducing deaths by coronary heart disease and stroke by 20 percent by 2020.
- Critical Public Health Funding - Pursue funding for Tobacco Quit services and the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program. Educate on the implementation and pursue funding in support of Washington’s Statewide Emergency Cardiac and Stroke System. Support increased funding to the Safe Routes to Schools Program and other programs that increase access and safety for pedestrians and bicyclists in the state Transportation Budget.
- Acute Cardiovascular Care – Support legislation to require CPR training in high school curriculum.
- Healthcare Access –Monitor implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, representing heart disease and stroke patients. Monitor implementation and rule making around the creation of the state exchange, essential health benefits and the Medicaid prescription drug formulary; ensuring they are in line with the American Heart Association’s principles.
- Obesity Prevention – Improve the availability of healthy foods to all state employees and the people within the state’s care through institutional purchasing of nutritious foods.
- Obesity Prevention – Support policies to increase healthy eating and physical activity in schools; including the federal school breakfast program. Support policies to make it easy for all Washingtonians to access healthy foods and beverages and be physically active in their community and workplace.
- Tobacco Control –Fight efforts to weaken the state’s clean indoor air law by allowing smoking in cigar lounges and stores.
For More Information, Contact: Lucy Culp, Senior Government Relations Director
American Heart Association/American Stroke Association
206-834-8658 or lucy.culp@heart.org
American Heart Association/American Stroke Association
206-834-8658 or lucy.culp@heart.org
