INDIANA— As the 2025 Indiana legislative session begins its work this week, the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, worked with volunteer advocates from across the state to announce its policy agenda for the upcoming legislative session, focusing on initiatives essential to improving the health and well-being of all Hoosiers.
During this legislative session, the Association will focus on six key initiatives to help Hoosiers live longer, healthier lives.
- Ensuring schools establish a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP).
- Adding Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center to the Stroke Center Designation Code.
- Creating a State-wide Stroke Registry using the Association’s Get With The Guidelines.
- Raising the Tobacco Tax from $0.99 to $2.00 creates tax parity for vaping, heated tobacco, and other alternatives. The tax has remained unchanged since 2007.
- Healthy Nutrition and Physical Activity Standards should be added to the Early Childhood Education Centers licensing requirement.
- Defending against anticipated Medicaid Cuts and ensuring that expansion, post-partum care, and coverage for self-monitored blood pressure remains.
The American Heart Association urges Indiana lawmakers to prioritize these essential policies to improve the health of all Hoosiers. Together, we can work to reduce the number of deaths caused by heart disease, expand access to life-saving healthcare, and promote healthier communities across the state.
In addition, Association advocates will be at the State Capitol on Feb. 17 to visit with legislators about these key issues. For more information about the Association’s Lobby Day, visit https://midwestregion.quorum.us/event/20269/.
To support the Association’s work in Indiana, join the American Heart Association’s You’re the Cure network by texting 46839. Members will receive regular updates about these bills and opportunities to engage with elected officials to support these initiatives.
