Ohio Advocacy Day: Did You Make Your Voice Heard?

Yesterday, dozens of fantastic You're the Cure advocates decked in red joined us at the Statehouse to meet face to face with their lawmakers for Ohio Advocacy Day. What were they talking about? Shared Use, Stroke Care and Quality PE Class. Even if you couldn't join us, you can still make your voice heard!

Studies show that people who have parks or recreational facilities nearby exercise 38 percent more than those who don't have easy access. Unfortunately safe places to get physical activity aren’t always available—but they could be. Schools are present in nearly every Ohio community and can offer a variety of safe, clean facilities, including running tracks, pools, gymnasiums, fitness rooms, and playgrounds. Unfortunately, schools that might like to offer these facilities to their communities often close their property to the public after school hours due to concerns about liability. Shared use legislation would not mandate that schools open their facilities after hours, but would simply alleviate concerns around liability for those that would like to provide access to the surrounding community. 

When a loved one suffers a stroke, time lost is brain lost. Time is critical in treating stroke, but in far too many cases a fragmented and disorganized delivery system prohibits Ohio's stroke victims from getting the care they need before it's too late. The good news is that the time is finally here for legislation that would improve care for our stroke victims--saving lives and reducing long-term disability for Ohioans. Even if you aren't a medical professional, YOU have the power to ensure Ohio's stroke victims receive appropriate, timely care and the best chance for a full recovery. Send your message today asking your lawmakers to support quick passage of Ohio's stroke legislation!

Did you know that the physical education class today's Ohio students experience is much better than what we had as children? In fact, since 2007, Ohio has taken steps to improve the quality of physical education class so that our kids have information and experience to make healthy choices throughout their lives. Students do not learn these lifelong skills in extracurricular athletics, band or cheerleading, but through a quality physical education program that improves their overall health, increases school performance and reduces behavioral issues. Please send your message now, asking Ohio's lawmakers to support removal of physical education waivers to give all students the opportunity to experience quality physical education.