In the hustle and bustle of life, it seems there is always something that needs our attention. Maybe it’s a lunch appointment, a meeting after work – did you remember to call your mom to wish her a happy birthday?
With so many things monopolizing our time, it begs the question: “Why do we do what we do?” How do we choose to prioritize what gets our few free moments? As a You’re The Cure Advocate, why do you choose to align yourself with our mission? Do you know all that we have accomplished?
Today, we are bragging on you. Each action you have taken: every email you’ve sent to your lawmakers, every meeting you’ve attended has helped propel forward many vital pieces of legislation. We want to tell how you’ve shaped our Mid-Atlantic Affiliate over the past few years.
Maryland:
2012 Legislative Session: tax on small cigars and all smokeless products was raised. Legislation was also passed to require insurance carriers to cover and reimburse healthcare providers for services delivered through telemedicine.
2013 Legislative Session: hospitals in MD are required to test newborns for critical congenital heart defects with pulse oximetry before they are discharged from the hospital.
Thank you.
North Carolina:
2012 Legislative Session: required all high school seniors to be proficient in CPR in order to graduate high school. In addition, a total of $2.7 million in non-recurring funding was secured for tobacco cessation and prevention programs.
2013 Legislative Session: hospitals in NC are required to test newborns for critical congenital heart defects with pulse oximetry before they are discharged from the hospital. Also signed into law was a policy that ensures designation of Primary Stroke Centers - ensuring stroke patients receive appropriate & timely care.
Thank you.
South Carolina:
2012 Legislative Session: advocates were able to preserve $5 million for the Smoking Prevention and Cessation Trust Fund.
2013 Legislative Session: hospitals in SC are required to test newborns for critical congenital heart defects with pulse oximetry before they are discharged from the hospital. Additionally, the Senate passed legislation requiring all high school seniors to be proficient in CPR in order to graduate high school. This legislation is headed to the House of Representatives, and our SC advocates will be vital in ensuring this becomes law.
Thank you.
Virginia:
2012 Legislative Session: Governor McDonnell issued Executive Directive 4, developing an implementation plan for pulse oximetry tests in hospitals. The House also required the Board of Education to develop PE guidelines for public elementary and middle schools.
2013 Legislative Session: Gwyneth’s Law was signed into law. All high school students will be required to achieve proficiency in CPR for graduation – and all teachers must be proficient in order to achieve their licensure. The state budget allocated $400,000 for 12-lead ECG’s for EMS, which helps to diagnose the most severe type of heart attack.
Thank you.
Washington, DC:
2012 Legislative Session: the DC City Council allocated $495,000 for tobacco control programs within the Department of Health.
2013 Legislative Session: the DC Telehealth Reimbursement Act of 2013 requires all payers to reimburse services rendered by telemedicine.
Thank you.
Advocates are driving more policies in the 2014 sessions! Some say “It takes a village to raise a child.” With You’re The Cure, it “takes a network to make a difference.” Each and every one of you has made a difference.
Thank you for giving your heart.
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