AHA and Advocacy


The American Heart Association and Advocacy
AHA Driving Force Statement:    The American Heart Association Advocacy Mission aims to actively change the social, political, legal, medical, and business environments to help support our mission of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. That single purpose drives all we do. The need for our work is beyond question.
AHA Advocacy Goal:                   We advocate for the passage of state laws and local ordinances that impact heart disease and stroke risk factors as well as policies that further protect survivors of heart disease or stroke including: smoke free public places; more walkable and bikable streets, roads, and parks; better nutrition and high quality physical education in our schools; and adequate, affordable health care for all.
Past AHA victories include: increased funding for heart and stroke research at the National Institutes of health as well as North Carolina Smoke Free Laws and many more.
Public Policy Agenda:                  In working to fulfill its mission, the AHA plans, coordinates and implements a national legislative and regulatory program. Each Summer the AHA establishes a public policy agenda to guide the activities of its Office of Public Advocacy and to serve as a guide for state local, and community based advocacy efforts.
                                                   *The public policy agenda will change periodically so be sure that you have the most current version to use as a guide when planning local advocacy efforts.