The Lawmakers are In

Legislative sessions are in across the Mid-Atlantic (MAA) and your advocate voices are making a difference on important health issues.  

Lawmakers are in their offices now and hearing from their constituents is key to making sure our priority issues advance.  Here is a round-up of the top issues we are working on throughout the Mid-Atlantic Affiliate (MAA) and how you can help!

In South Carolina, advocates are working to garner support from their lawmakers for funding of a state stroke registry, as well as for support for a $1.50/pack increase in the cigarette excise tax.  Palmetto State advocates take action now on our stroke registry campaign, text STROKESC to 52886 and follow the prompts

North Carolina lawmakers are really gearing up the session and advocates are urging support for full-funding ($1 million) for the Healthy Corner Store Initiative discussing the importance of consistent and high-quality Physical Education in schools, promoting tobacco use prevention and cessation funding, and discussing the importance of monitoring and controlling high blood pressure.  All students need PE, so take action now, text PE4NC to 52886 and follow the prompts.

In Virginia, advocates are asking lawmakers to support healthy food access and tobacco prevention and cessation funding.  In addition, we are promoting more frequent, effective physical education in schools and advocating that Virginia’s education accountability plan include physical and health education as part of the Every Student Succeeds Act. Decision makers should hear that all students need PE, so if you are a Virginia voter, take action by texting PE4VA to 52886 and following the prompts.

Maryland advocates are working to get healthy items included in state vending machine and to secure funding for tobacco use prevention and cessation programs, as well as raising the age to purchase tobacco products to 21 and getting e-cigarettes included in existing smoke-free laws. Lawmakers need to hear from constituents, so if you live in Maryland, take action by texting TOBACCOFREE to 52886 and following the prompts.

District of Columbia, our advocates are supporting the use of school properties to create more opportunities for physical activity, and finalizing CPR training for all high school students.  We also continue to address tobacco issues.  If you live in DC, add your voice by texting XTOBACCO to 52886 and following the prompts.

Regardless of where you are in the MAA, you are making a difference through your actions. You’re the Cure is working to change policy and save lives.  Thank you for building a healthier MAA!