COLUMBIA, S.C. Jan. 30, 2025 — The American Heart Association, South Carolina, is excited to announce its State Advocacy Day on February 13, 2025, at the South Carolina State House in Columbia. This event will focus on advocating for key initiatives critical to improving the health and well-being of South Carolinians, including the Smart Heart Act and Medicaid Expansion.
State Advocacy Day brings together advocates, community members, and healthcare professionals to engage directly with lawmakers and push for policies that will have a lasting impact on public health in the state. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with legislators and urge them to support life-saving measures that protect students from sudden cardiac arrest and expand healthcare access to thousands of residents in need.
Key Advocacy Priorities
1. Enacting the Smart Heart Act
Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the United States, and early intervention is crucial for survival. The American Heart Association is calling on South Carolina lawmakers to pass the Smart Heart Act, which would require public schools to develop and implement comprehensive cardiac emergency response plans. This includes ensuring Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are easily accessible on school grounds, training staff in CPR, and having well-coordinated response protocols in place.
Currently, South Carolina law does not mandate a statewide plan for handling cardiac emergencies in schools. By implementing this policy, the state can drastically improve the chances of survival for students experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
Lekesha Benson, founder and executive director of the NOLA Network, who lost her son to sudden cardiac arrest in 2017 will be participating in hopes of increasing awareness around the need for Cardiac Emergency Response Plans.
“As a mother who lost my eldest son, Vari, to sudden cardiac arrest while he was on a school campus, I know firsthand how devastating it can be when a life is lost too soon—especially when it could have been prevented with proper care and attention. Our mission at The NOLA Network is to ensure that no other family experiences this tragedy. By advocating for cardiac emergency response plans in schools, we are working to provide the tools, training, and resources needed to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies. Every student deserves the chance to live and thrive, and we are committed to raising awareness and creating systems that can save lives. It’s time for schools to take action because no life should be lost simply because help wasn’t available in time,” said Lekesha Benson.
2. Expanding Medicaid
Heart disease and stroke remain the leading causes of death and disability in South Carolina. With many residents lacking access to vital healthcare, the American Heart Association is advocating for Medicaid Expansion, which would provide coverage to around 345,000 South Carolinians who currently fall into the coverage gap. Expanding Medicaid would ensure that more individuals receive preventive care, treatment for chronic conditions like heart disease, and life-saving interventions.
States that have expanded Medicaid have seen improved health outcomes, including better management of heart disease and stroke. South Carolina’s expansion would reduce health disparities and provide access to crucial health services for thousands of residents, especially in underserved communities.
Additional Advocacy Efforts
The American Heart Association will also be advocating for several other health priorities during the 2025 legislative session, including:
-Expanding Medicaid coverage for self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) services and devices.
-Participating in the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES) program.
-Expanding South Carolina’s sales tax exemption for non-profits.
-Increasing funding for tobacco cessation and prevention programs.
-Promoting the SUN Bucks program, which provides food for school-aged children during the summer.
Join Us for State Advocacy Day
We invite all supporters of heart health to join us at State Advocacy Day on February 13, 2025, to make their voices heard. Together, we can work to protect students from sudden cardiac arrest, expand Medicaid, and create healthier communities throughout South Carolina.
For more information and to register for the event, please visit http://southeastregion.quorum.us/event/20275/?SC. By becoming part of You’re the Cure, you’ll receive updates and opportunities to take action on these critical issues.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 – our Centennial year – we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments as we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION-USA1.
