SAVE THE DATE: 2017 Advocacy Events at the Rhode Island State House

The American Heart Association is planning several advocacy events at the State House during the 2017 Legislative Session.  The events present an excellent opportunity to talk with your representative and senator about our lifesaving policy priorities.  We hope you will mark your calendar and plan to join us!

Registration details will follow.  Training will be provided prior to the events via conference call and staff will be on hand to guide you throughout the process.

Tobacco 21 Lobby Day – April 26^th, 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

This event will focus on our bills that would raise the minimum legal sales age for tobacco products from 18 to 21.  It will be held in conjunction with our tobacco control partners.

American Heart Association Lobby Day – May 17^th, 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

This event will focus on several priorities which will be determined as we get closer to the event date (depending on where our bills are in the legislative process).  Stay tuned for details!

Nutrition & Physical Activity Youth Day – May 24^th, 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Youth from Young Voices, Progreso Latino, NAACP Providence Branch and Oasis International will join us for an educational day to talk about access to healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity.  We will also present the awards for our 2017 Get Healthy! Poster Contest.

Tobacco Youth Day – May 31^st, 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Youth from across the state will join us to share personal stories as they educate and inform lawmakers about the importance of protecting youth from Big Tobacco.  

As a reminder, the American Heart Association has a robust policy agenda that will focus on building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke in the Ocean State. 

Our 2017 priorities include:

• Eliminating unhealthy food and beverage advertising & marketing in schools;
• Securing state funding to purchase new CPR equipment for high schools to fully implement the CPR in Schools Law and ensure quality training for all students;
• Protecting kids from Big Tobacco by raising the Minimum Legal Sale Age (MLSA) for tobacco products from 18 to 21;
• Securing state investments in biking & walking infrastructure and outdoor recreation;
• Reducing consumption of sugary drinks;
• Ensuring healthier food & beverage options are available in public places; and
• Ensuring access to quality, affordable health care.

Please keep an eye out for action alerts throughout the Legislative Session and be sure to share with family and friends via social media!  Questions? Please contact Megan Tucker, Senior Director of Government Relations, at (401) 228-2331 or [email protected].