Tennessee

The Tennessee American Heart Association is committed to driving equitable health impact in the community through four priority areas: Hypertension, Tobacco & Vaping, Nutrition Security, and CPR and AED Awareness

Problem: Hypertension: Nearly 40% of of adults in Tennessee have high blood pressure 

• Solution: The association is working with free clinics and community-based organizations throughout the Region to Establish blood pressure cuff loaner programs, and education and clinical referrals to at-risk populations.

Problem: Nutrition Insecurity: 1 in 9 people in Tennessee County live in a food desert. 800,970 people are facing hunger - and of them 197,490 are children.

• Solution: AHA has strategically placed cold storage units at local food pantries and youth-based organizations across the region allowing more As a people to access nutritious fruits and vegetables each month.

Problem: CPR/AED Awareness: Counties located in the south with higher proportions of rural areas, Black and Hispanic residents, and those with lower median household incomes all have lower rates of CPR training than other communities.

• Solution:  AHA is actively addressing this issue by offering Hands-Only CPR demonstrations to residents across Tennessee and donating CPR anytime Kits to schools, hospitals, and businesses in the region. Through these efforts, more individuals can join the Nation of Lifesavers, bridging the gap in CPR/AED awareness and improving community resilience.

Problem: Tobacco and Vaping: Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in the United States.

• Solution: we are working within schools and communities to teach our next generation about the dangers of smoking and vaping. We are also providing support for those who choose to quit.

AHA Advocates helped secure Tobacco 21 policy ensuring longer, quality lives for all Tennesseans.

We are fighting for longer lives in Tennessee by making the places where we live, learn, work, play, pray, and heal as healthy as they can be. It's no secret that under-resourced communities face great adversity and barriers that impact their heart health and overall well-being. 

With your support, we can expand our nutrition security, blood pressure management, and anti-smoking/vaping efforts so that more of our neighbors have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, health education, and medical care. Together we will tackle these issues head on, creating a healthier Tennessee for all.

Tennessee advocates recently visited the State Capitol to meet with lawmakers and champion policies that protect and improve children’s heart health. Led by the American Heart Association, supporters focused on three priorities designed to create healthier schools and communities across the state:

Tobacco Retail Licensure (HB 1008/SB 926):
This legislation would require retailers to obtain a license to sell tobacco and vape products, helping reduce youth access and hold businesses accountable for illegal sales to anyone under 21.

Healthy School Meals for All (HB 1153/SB 740):
This bill expands access to free school meals by eliminating the reduced-price category—ensuring more students receive the nutrition they need to learn, grow, and succeed.

Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (Budget Amendment):
A proposed budget amendment would fund implementation of the Smart Heart Act—helping schools create emergency plans, train staff, and purchase life-saving equipment like AEDs.

These efforts represent a meaningful step toward a healthier future for all Tennessee children—preventing disease, fueling learning, and preparing schools to respond in moments that matter most.

Be a Voice for Heart Health.

Policy change starts with people like you.

To learn more and take action, visit YouretheCure.org.