Newsletter Feature - VA

We’re thrilled to share that the American Heart Association’s spoken word poem, “What Would They Say?”, has taken second place in the 4th Annual Anthem Awards winning the Silver Award in the Education, Art & Culture Campaign - Non-Profit Community Engagement category. This award celebrates the power and impact of our collective work in tobacco control on a global stage.

Next week marks the end of the 2023 legislative session in Virginia. This whirlwind session still managed to keep us on our toes as several issues came up that our advocacy team and advocates took action on to address heart health in the Commonwealth.

We are pleased to announce an exciting development in DC Council! Last week, Council Member and Health Committee Chair, Christina Henderson, along with 7 other members of Council, introduced a bill which would provide healthy school meals for all DC students, regardless of income.

“Doubt is our Product” is a quote from a former tobacco executive in 1969. Tobacco companies have tried to sew doubt into the minds of Americans for decades. They want you to doubt that their products are harmful to your health. They want you to ignore that the World Health Organization says smokers are likely more vulnerable to severe and potentially life-threatening cases of COVID-19. They want you to forget that they have a history of marketing flavored tobacco, including menthol to communities of color.

Food insecurity is an issue that impacts many families, especially since COVID. Some families who were living in the margins before, are more likely to be impacted by food insecurity now. What is food insecurity? Simply put- it’s when someone isn’t always able to count on the security of their next meal. Many people have been laid off, placing a deeper burden on families. With children staying home, the food security of school can be lost, placing additional burdens on families. Often, fresh produce can be seen as unaffordable compared to prepared or processed food or even unavailable in some communities.

Water plays an important role in maintaining overall health. Drinking water supports muscles, joints, and tissues; improves the digestive system; and keeps bodies hydrated. This is vital to the well being of children and their growth. Drinking water helps with learning as well. If a child is well hydrated, they can see better results in their efforts in school. Staying well hydrated helps improve short-term memory, fine motor skills, and visual attention – all things that help the success of kids in the classroom and beyond.  But- how kids hydrate also matters.

Our mission is to be a relentless force for a heart-healthy world—and we cannot do it without you. So, we have a request, and this one is simple.

We are hoping you can change some HEARTS and minds.

Do you have a connection with a local legislator, school board member, state representative, state senator, member of Congress, or anyone with government influence? If so, you may be the best channel to influence their HEARTS by advocating with yours.

As we begin the holiday season, so too do we begin the start of all our favorite yummy, cozy, tasty treats that we all love and sometimes wait all season to enjoy. But, this is also a time where we can get off track with our goals of making healthier food choices. This is all the more difficult when access to healthier foods is a struggle. Here are some tips for how you can have a heart healthier holiday season – and help ensure others have a good shot at one too.

Exciting news for Virginia heart health! We are pleased to welcome Nichole Wescott-Hayes to the team as our new Government Relations Director. Nichole will help lead our advocacy priorities around Virginia and secure policy wins that support longer, healthier lives!