By james art 
Colombia, SC January 30, 2025 – The American Cardiac Association, South Carolina, is excited to announce a day of state advocacy on February 13, 2025 at the State House of South Carolina in Colombia. This event will focus on advocating key initiatives critical of improving the health and well -being of Southern Carolini, including Smart Heart Act and expanding Medicaid.
The day of state advocacy brings together defenders, members of the Community and healthcare professionals in order to engage directly with the legislators and to insist on policies that will have a lasting impact on public health in the state. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with legislators and call for them to support life -saving measures that protect students from sudden cardiac arrest and extend healthcare access to thousands of residents in need.
Main priorities of intercession
1. Acceptance of the act as an intelligent heart
Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the United States, and early intervention is crucial to survival. The American Cardiac Association calls on South Carolina’s legislators to adopt the Intelligent Heart Act, which would require public schools to develop and apply complete plans for a cardiac emergency response. This includes guaranteeing automated external defibrillators (AED) are easily accessible on school sites, training staff at CPR and have well -coordinated response protocols.
South Carolina’s law is currently not awarding a state plan for the treatment of cardiac extraordinary situations in schools. By applying this policy, the state can drastically improve the chances of survival for students who experience a sudden cardiac arrest.
Lemsha Benson, founder and CEO of NOLA’s network, who lost his son from a sudden cardiac arrest in 2017, will be hoping to raise awareness of the need for emergency response plans.
“As a mother who loses my largest son, boils, to a sudden cardiac arrest while in a school campus, I know firsthand how devastating it can be when life is lost too early – especially when it could be prevented with a suitable Care and attention. Our mission on the NOLA network is to ensure that no other family is experiencing this tragedy. By advocating for cardiac emergency reaction plans in schools, we are working to provide instruments, training and resources needed to effectively respond to cardiac emergencies. Every student deserves the chance to live and thrive, and we are committed to raising the awareness and creation of systems that can save lives. It is time for schools to take action because it does not have to waste life simply because the help has not been available in time, “said Lemsha Benson.
2. Expanding Medicaid
Heart diseases and stroke remain the leading causes of death and damage in South Carolina. As many residents who do not have access to vital healthcare, the American Cardiac Association is advocating for the expansion of Medicaid, which would provide a coverage of about 345,000 southern Carolins, which are currently in the difference in coverage. Expansion of Medicaid will ensure that more people receive preventive care, treatment of chronic conditions such as heart disease and life -saving interventions.
Countries that have expanded Medicaid have observed improved health results, including better heart disease and stroke. The expansion of South Carolina would reduce health differences and provide access to key health services for thousands of residents, especially in the undervalued communities.
Additional efforts for intercession
The American Cardiac Association will also advocate for several other health priorities during the 2025 legislative session, including:
- Extension of the Medicaid and blood pressure measurement (SMBP).
- Participation in the cardiac arrest register to improve the Cares Survival Program (Cares).
- Expanding the exemption from South Carolina sales tax for non -profit.
- Increasing funding for tobacco termination and prevention programs.
- Promoting the Sun Bucks program, which provides food for school children in the summer.
Join us for State Intercession Day
We invite all Health supporters to join us on the day of state advocacy on February 13, 2025 to hear their voices. Together we can work to protect students from sudden cardiac arrest, expand Medicaid and create healthier communities in South Carolina.
For more information and register for the event, please visit, as you become part of you, you will receive updates and opportunities to take action on these critical problems.
###
For the American Cardiac Association
The American Cardiac Association is a ruthless power for a world from a longer, fresher life. We are dedicated to providing fair health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the health of the public and share rescue resources. The Dallas -based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. In 2024 – Our Hundred Years – We celebrate our rich 100 -year history and achievements when we progress in our second century of bold discovery and influence. Contact us at Heart.org, Facebook, X Or calling the 1-800-American Cardiac Association-USA1.
For media inquiries:
Maranda Williams, [email protected]
For public inquiries: 1-800 -ha-USA1 (242-8721)
Heart.org and Stroke.org