Have you ever wondered if your emails or participation in advocacy day made a difference? (See our post on Cincinnati) Please know it has! While policy may take time, it can truly impact the state and improve heart and stroke health.
As we look forward to the new General Assembly, familiar issues appear. However, with your efforts, we have made progress and are anticipating bill introduction!
Pulse Ox: Pulse Ox is a simple, non-invasive screening test that helps identify newborns at risk for heart defects. It can be successfully implemented with limited drain on resources including no increase in nursing staff
Following the November Advocacy Day, champions for this issue emerged. Work continues to draft legislation with introduction anticipated soon. In the meantime, you can help keep this issue in the forefront. Click here to reach our current alert and take action now. An upcoming blog post will announce the next steps. Stay tuned!
Health Education Standards: In November 2012, advocates from around the state came Columbus to education legislators on Health Education Standards. As you may recall, Ohio is one of two states without health education standards. While the standards do not address content (specific topics,) they do provide a framework for quality instruction. As we look at a health of our residents in the future, the standards teach children to understand core concepts - like accessing quality health information, setting health goals, communicating health goals. These are really quality life skills.
Interest in the issue has certainly increased and it is anticipated a bill could be introduced soon. Watch for additional updates and action opportunities. In the meantime, head over to the action center and send your message from our current alert. It is a great way to make sure things continue to move forward on this issue.
Stroke: The American Heart Association supported House Bill 427 in the last session and supports similar legislation in the 130th General Assembly. Ohio can improve patient outcomes from stroke. The legislation includes primary stroke center recognition, as defined by The Joint Commission, and a stroke registry for continual quality improvement.
Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Funding: Ohio is ranked last in tobacco prevention and cessation funding. In addition, the state’s adult and youth use rates are increasing. Funding of comprehensive tobacco prevention and cessation is a critical step.
Shared Use: All Ohioans should have access to safe, accessible, and affordable places for physical activity. By clarifying our school liability coverage, Ohio can create additional opportunities in our local communities.
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